Portuguese White Wine

The most famous Portuguese white wine is, of course, Madeira. A fortified wine defined by vibrant acidity, layered complexity and extraordinary longevity, Madeira ranges in style from dry Sercial to opulent Malmsey. But non-fortified whites are also on the rise on the mainland, with increasingly complex bottlings from unusual, characterful grape varieties such as Rabigato and Viosinho. In total, white varieties make up around 25% of Portugal’s production, from the citrus and stone fruit freshness of Gouveio to the oak-friendly Bical. Among styles to look for, whites from Vinho Verde are crisp, fresh and ideal for summer sipping while the Alentejo region produces aromatic whites that are both approachable and food-friendly.