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Terraços da Luz · Algarve
03 · Portugal's Grape Varieties

Remarkably diverse.
Singular.

Our wines are made from Portugal's signature grapes. Some are ancient native varieties, others were newly brought to the Algarve – together they tell the diversity of a country that breathes wine.

White grapesRed grapes at harvest
Sauvignon BlancChenin BlancViognierVerdelhoArintoViosinhoRabigatoEncruzadoNegra MoleTouriga FrancaAlicante BouschetSyrahAragonezCastelãoTouriga Nacional
Grapes of Portugal

Our wines are made from Portugal's classic grapes — wonderfully diverse and utterly unique.

White Wine
8 varieties
01

Sauvignon Blanc

International

A renowned white grape that yields fresh, lively wines with pronounced aromas of citrus, green apple, gooseberry and herbs. Versatile by nature, it lends itself equally to light, refreshing styles and to more complex, age-worthy expressions.

CitrusGreen appleGooseberryHerbs
02

Chenin Blanc

Loire · PT

A white grape capable of an extraordinary range of styles — from crisp and bracing to full-bodied and honeyed. It offers aromas of apple, honey and blossom, sometimes with a mineral edge. Chenin Blanc is prized for its versatility and its ability to age gracefully.

AppleHoneyBlossomMineral
03

Viognier

Rhône · PT

An aromatic white grape producing wines rich in apricot, peach and floral notes. Viognier wines are often full and creamy, with a lingering, pleasing freshness that makes them a special choice for the discerning palate.

ApricotPeachBlossom
04

Verdelho

Algarve

A white grape that produces aromatic, fresh wines with a pleasant acidity. It is characteristic of the Algarve region.

CitrusSalineHerbs
05

Arinto

Lisboa

Arinto is a white grape much esteemed in Portugal, particularly around Lisbon. It yields fresh, lively wines with marked acidity and aromas of citrus, green apple and minerals. Arinto wines are typically crisp and refreshing — ideal for summer or alongside seafood. The variety is also celebrated for its ability to produce complex, long-lived wines when blended with others.

CitrusGreen appleMineral
06

Viosinho

Douro

Viosinho is a white grape grown above all in Portugal, especially in the Douro Valley. It gives wines a fresh, aromatic character with notes of citrus, green fruit and, at times, floral nuances. Light, lively and thoroughly refreshing, it is ideal for hot days and as a companion to light dishes.

CitrusGreen fruitBlossom
07

Rabigato

Douro

Rabigato is another Portuguese white grape found above all in the Douro Valley. It produces wines with vibrant acidity, mineral notes and aromas of citrus, green apple and, on occasion, a touch of herbs.

CitrusGreen appleHerbs
08

Encruzado

Dão

Another white variety that produces elegant, mineral wines, often from the higher-lying vineyards.

MineralWhite peachNuts
Red Wine
7 varieties
01

Negra Mole

Algarve

One of Portugal's oldest grapes, particularly widespread in the Algarve. Its thin skin gives the wines a delicate, elegant character. Negra Mole wines are typically fruit-forward, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum and sometimes a hint of spice such as cinnamon or clove. Soft and velvety with a pleasant acidity that keeps them fresh and approachable, the grape lends itself beautifully to wines that drink well young yet gain complexity with age.

CurrantBlackberryPlum
02

Touriga Franca

Douro

An elegant grape often found in Portuguese reds. It brings fine structure, complex aromas of dark fruit, violet and spice, and a pleasing tannic frame. Touriga Franca adds depth and longevity to the wines.

Dark fruitVioletSpice
03

Alicante Bouschet

Alentejo

A red grape with a singular trait — its flesh is deeply coloured, lending the wines an intense hue. Full, powerful and aromatic, they show notes of dark berries, cherry and spice. Alicante Bouschet is perfect for bold, long-lived reds.

BlackberryCherrySpice
04

Syrah

International

Syrah, known elsewhere, is a dark, powerful grape of growing importance in Portugal. It produces wines of deep red to almost black colour, with complex, layered aromas of black berries, plum, black olive, pepper and spice, and at times a whisper of smoke or leather.

Black berriesPepperLeather
05

Aragonez

Tempranillo · PT

A red grape prized for its fruitiness and velvety tannins, and a mainstay of many Portuguese reds. Aragonez wines often show aromas of red berries, cherry, plum and spice, with a touch of vanilla when aged in oak.

Red berriesCherryPlum
06

Castelão

Setúbal

A robust grape that yields deep red wines with fruity, spicy notes. It is widely planted across many regions of Portugal.

Red fruitSpiceEarth
07

Touriga Nacional

Douro · Dão

One of Portugal's most celebrated grapes, renowned for its intense colour, complex aromas and the potential to produce long-lived wines.

VioletDark berriesMint

Together, these grapes help preserve the diversity and singular character of Portuguese wine. In the Algarve, the wines mirror the sunlit, vibrant nature of the region — fresh, aromatic and perfect for warm days and cooler ones alike.

Vines in the Algarve
In the Algarve

"In the Algarve, the wines reflect the sunny, vibrant character of the region – fresh, aromatic and perfect to enjoy on warm and cooler days alike."

All of these grape varieties help to preserve the diversity and singularity of Portuguese wines – and to reinterpret them anew in every bottle of Terraços da Luz.