📍 Beira Interior

Beira Interior (“inner Beira”) is a wine region in east-central Portugal, on the border with Spain. It lies on a high plateau and hills, usually at 400 to 700 metres, next to the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Summers are hot and dry, winters harsh, and the altitude protects the grapes from overheating and keeps their acidity. Beside the vineyards lie olive groves and pastures, and in the Serra da Estrela a famous sheep cheese is made.

The region has three subzones: Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Cova da Beira. The regional designation Terras da Beira also belongs here. Soils are mostly granite and schist, so the wines are fresh and aromatic.

Among reds there are Touriga Nacional and Rufete, a local red vine of light structure and high acidity. Among whites there are Rupeiro and Dona Branca. Wines are red, white, rosé and sparkling. This is a little-known part of the country where wine is made by small estates.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the west lies Dão with similar granite soils, to the north the Douro, and to the south and east the Spanish border and the region of Extremadura.