Ep 444: The Wines of Lisboa, Portugal (the wine region around Lisbon)

<p>This week’s show is short but extremely valuable! We tell you about one of the best value regions in the wine world: Lisboa, the area around Lisbon in Portugal.</p> <p> </p> <p>Although it has extensive hills and regional variation in climate, the real action is less in the smaller DOCs (Denominacão de Origem Controlada) and more within the larger Lisboa IPR (Indicação de Proveniência Regulamentada or Protected Designation of Origin). Using the freedom of the larger IPR, winemakers are making spectacular blends of native and international grapes for prices that seem too good to be true.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/45638/pexels-skitterphoto-9253.jpg" alt="" width="423" height="280" /><em><span style= "font-size: 8pt;">The city of Lisbon. Photo: Pexels</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p>The pressure is off to feel like you have to age these wines, spend a lot of money, or save these bottles for a special occasion. For less than US$10 you can often get a lovely bottle of red or white that drinks above its price point and is great for weeknight drinking. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here are the show notes:</p> <p><strong>We give an overview of the Lisboa Region</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Location:</strong> It’s the wine region around the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. It extends 150 km/93 miles up the coast, following the Serra de Montejunto, which go north from Lisbon, and divide Lisboa in half. Wines near the Atlantic side in the west are influenced by strong winds, mists, and weather. On the other side of the hills, the climate is warmer and the ripening more predictable (the wines are often better!)<br /> <br /></li> <li>One of Portugal’s most prolific regions (there are many co-ops here), until recently it was called Estremadura and was relatively unknown until it changed the name of the IPR to Lisboa, making it easier to recognize on the shelf<br /> <br /></li> <li>Wine has been made in the region