Douro Sub-Regions

Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is divided into three official sub-zones running upstream from west to east. Baixo Corgo is the wettest and coolest, with the lightest wines. Cima Corgo is the historical heartland of Port and increasingly the source of serious dry red Douro. Douro Superior, near the Spanish border, is the hottest, driest and least planted, with a growing reputation for ambitious modern dry reds.

The wines of Douro Sub-Regions are made primarily from Sousão, Tempranillo, Tinta Barroca and other Douro Valley varieties.

63–1222 m

Elevation range

redwhitedessert

Wine styles

3 Appellations

Avg. slope 12.9°

Vineyard Map

Terroir

SchistGraniteSlate

This combination of soils contributes to the distinctive character and complexity of Douro Sub-Regions wines.

Grapes of Douro Valley

Sousão

blackberryblack cherryvioletink

Deeply colored, high-acid grape prized for adding backbone and freshness

Tempranillo

Tinta Roriz in Douro Valley

strawberryraspberryplumcherry

Known as Tinta Roriz. Blended in Port and still Douro reds. Adds structure and dark fruit.

Tinta Barroca

plumraspberrychocolatefloral

Soft, aromatic red adding perfume and early accessibility to blends

Touriga Franca

wild rosestrawberryblackberryfloral

Key blending grape for both Port and Douro reds

Touriga Nacional

violetblackberryplumrosemary

Portugal's noble red, on Douro schist. Violet, rockrose, and orange blossom over blackberry, blackcurrant, and Mediterranean herb, with concentrated structure built for ageing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes grow in Douro Sub-Regions?▼

The main grapes in Douro Sub-Regions (Douro Valley) include Sousão, Tempranillo, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca.

What soils are found in Douro Sub-Regions?▼

Douro Sub-Regions sits on schist, granite, slate soils, which contribute to the distinctive character of its wines.

Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)