Portugal is not a Mediterranean country.

this may be obvious to some people and surprise to outhers, but Portugal is neither Mediterraean in geography, climate nor attitude. Portugal is outher.

It is also not hoogenous in any sense - quite the opposite. Diversity finds its form in the classic north-south divide of its people, in the cultural and economic wealth of big cities and in the rustic simplicity of the countryside.

In wine too, diversity and choise is manifest in the 200 plusindigenous grape varieties and in all the varied climates of its multiple wine regions; the continental climate of the wet climate of the north and the hot, dry climate of the south.

The portuguese like their wine too. Domestic consumption rivals that Italy and France, so it is surpise tha vineyards cover Portugal like a grape carpet.

probably more than any other country it has stuck to is viticultural principles and refused to cede ground to the march of the international grape varieties. The many dozens of ratherlovely but often strange sounding varieties provide a treasure trouve of delight for the dedicated wine lover.

PORTUGAL is other. PORTUGAL is to discover.