Óbidos Wine Region

Óbidos is a town in the Lisboa area of Portugal that serves as the hub of the Óbidos wine region. Wines from the renowned subregion of Óbidos are renowned all over the world for their excellence and distinction. We hope you will appreciate learning about these iconic wines as you set off on your journey through the Lisboa Wine Region. The winemakers in the area, who pay great attention to detail in their processes, are largely responsible for Óbidos' grace and finesse. These components combine to create a wine style that is unique to Portugal as well as the entire world.

Check out the best tasting and tours at Óbidos

Where is the Óbidos wine appellation?

A one-hour journey north of the country's capital of Lisbon is the Lisboa wine valley, home of the Portuguese wine DOC known as "Óbidos." The DOC is located inland from Lourinh, which is the main brandy-producing DOC in Lisbon. The vineyards of the Óbidos DOC, which make wine and sparkling wine, are situated in the middle of the Lisbon Region and take up a portion of the municipalities of Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, and Óbidos.

History of Óbidos wine appellation

Due to the fact that the town was a gift to the Portuguese monarch, Óbidos has a long and successful history. The name "Óbidos" derives from the ancient Celtic "Eburobricio" and is Latinized (oppidum, fortress). The municipality was founded on a Roman colony that was situated close to the foothills of a tall cliff. After being elevated from its previous Indicaço de Proveniencia Regulada (IPR) status in 2006, the region is now known as the Denominaço de Origem Controlada (DOC).

Ideal Terroir of the Óbidos wine appellation

It is chilly and windy, similar to its nearest neighbor, Lourinh, making it unsuitable for the production of quality red and white wines, which are made in Lisboa's more inland districts like Alenquer and Bucelas. Óbidos is renowned for its sparkling wines instead. Vineyards in "Óbidos" are susceptible to the effects of cold, wet westerlies that blow in from the Atlantic all year long due to a gap in the hills, and in the summer, high humidity poses a fungal threat to the vineyards.

Grapes Varietals of Óbidos wine appellation

Arinto, Bastardo, Camarate, Fernao Pires, Periquita, Rabo de Ovelha, Tinta Miuda, and Vital are the main grapes grown in the Óbidos region. Arinto and FernAo Pires (white), Castelo, and Touriga (red), among other varieties, are utilized for the production of Óbidos wines (DOC). In the chilly, windy climate there, the grapes begin to ripen. Given that some of Portugal's best sparkling wines are produced here, the area provides perfect growing conditions for sparkling wine.

Wines from the Óbidos wine region

The challenge for "Óbidos" vignerons is to decide between intensive crop management and lower yields or a relatively lax pruning regime and higher yields, which is one of the main effects of this moist terroir. While the latter promises bigger volumes of subpar wine, the former guarantees healthier, riper grapes and superior wine quality. The majority of the wine produced annually in Óbidos has some effervescence, usually more so than the sparkle of Vinho Verde but less so than the tight mousse of Champagne.

Óbidos wine appellation and Food Pairing 

It is frequently advised to pair red wine with meat and white wine with seafood. That is untrue, particularly when it comes to Portuguese food.

Fish and seafood

Portuguese cuisine heavily emphasizes fish and seafood. Salt cod, also known as bacalhau, is by far and away the most popular fish in Portugal and is eaten practically everywhere. Bacalhau dishes go well with full-bodied white wines and light to medium red wines (as long as they're not overly fruity). If they aren't oaked, white wines like Arinto, Loureiro, Anto Vaz, and others pair well with these fish and shellfish dishes. It would also be effective to use a robust Viosinho or mixes of Gouveio, Roupeiro, and Rabigato.

Soups and stews

The Portuguese consume a lot of soup and stew. Caldo Verde, a soup comprised of finely shredded cabbage or collard greens, potatoes, onion, and chouriço, is the most well-liked soup in the entire nation (sausage) Although Caldo Verde originated in Minho, in northern Portugal, many people now view it as the country's national soup. The best white wines to pair with caldo verde are Minho's Loureiro or Alavarinho. Avoid the spritz varieties of Vinho Verde if you choose one. The Acoarda de Mariscos would also go well with Arinto's citrus and tropical fruit flavors.

Meat

Portuguese cuisine is mostly composed of chicken, beef, hog, and other meats in the interior, whereas the cuisine around the coast is rich in fish and other shellfish. In Portuguese cooking, pork is undoubtedly the most popular meat and is served in a wide range of ways. White wine can be used in some situations, but the spicy and garlicky poultry and meat recipes call for medium-to-large reds, such as the earthy Dao or the refined Douro.

Interesting Places to Visit at Óbidos wine appellation

Historic Óbidos

When you enter the Porta da Vila, you are surprised by a picturesque ancient townscape. The distinction is that these homes are real, with bougainvillea crawling up the sides and whitewashed walls decorated with blue or yellow borders. You'll be tempted to investigate the side lanes and stairways, enticing you to secluded parts of the town as you travel along Rua Direita. Aim to arrive at Óbidos early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the throng. You can linger instead of paying attention to the ruckus, then choose a gift shop or an ice cream store that attracts your interest.

Lagoa de Óbidos

The same-named lagoon is located a short distance west of Óbidos and fills a valley for about four kilometers before emptying into the ocean. Along the pine-lined roads that border its beaches, the body of water is a stunning sight, but for tourists,

Porta da Vila

A small Baroque chapel can be found inside Óbidos' southern gate. The foundation of this structure dates back to 1246 when a small oratory was established nearby. This was erected here after the town successfully repulsed a siege by Sancho II's army against Afonso III. However, the chapel as it is today was built in 1727 when its altar, chancel, and choir were added. At that time, its walls were decorated with azulejos, and its ceiling was filigree-painted. These works were supported by Bernardo de Palma, an Indian magistrate whose daughter is said to have passed away from a broken heart after falling in love with a guy from Óbidos.