📍 Távora-Varosa

Távora-Varosa is a small mountain wine zone in northern Portugal, south of the Douro valley, around the Távora and Varosa rivers. It is part of Portuguese winemaking. The name joins two rivers, and vineyards often lie at 500 to 800 metres. The climate is cooler than in the neighbouring Douro, and soils are granite and schist.

The zone is best known for sparkling wines made by the traditional method, as in Champagne, with the second fermentation in the bottle. They use local grapes and international Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Local whites include Malvasia Fina, Cerceal and Gouveio.

Besides sparkling wines, the zone makes still white, rosé and red wines. The cool climate gives them good acidity and freshness. Apple trees also grow next to the vineyards: the area is known for fruit as well.

Távora-Varosa is of interest to anyone wanting to try Portuguese sparkling wine. The Douro and Dão lie nearby, but Távora-Varosa stands out for freshness and sparkling wines. Portuguese sparkling wine pairs well with appetisers, fried fish and local cheese. For anyone travelling to the Douro valley, Távora-Varosa makes a convenient stop: the zone lies close by and shows a very different, cool and fresh style of Portuguese wine.