Amarante Wine Region

Amarante wine region is a picturesque village in the municipality of Tâmega e Sousa in North Portugal. The charming tiny hamlet of Amarante is located deep within the Minho's lush green scenery, bordering both sides of the river Tâmega. Amarante wine region is a subregion of Vinho Verde and its wines are labeled under The Vinho Verde DOC. Amarante is famous for its red wines, which are deep in color and delicious on the palate due to the climatic circumstances that favor well-matured grapes, notably from the Vinho variety. The typical Vinho Verde fizz can be found in most brands from this region. Since 2017, the city has been a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the category of City of Music.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Amarante!

Where is the Amarante wine region?

Amarante wine region is located in northern Portugal in the district of Porto. Straddled by both sides of the Tamega river, the wine area of Amarante is located in Minho, Portugal, in the Vinho Verde region. Amarante is shielded from the effect of the Atlantic, has a high average altitude, greater temperatures than the area average, and has the hottest summers in the country. The region is just one hour from Porto and 45 minutes from the Douro Valley. Amarante is around half a kilometer from the A4 Motorway. To the south of the Támega river, there is also a bus station, primarily operated by Rodonorte.

History of the Amarante wine region

Amarante's origins can be traced back to the Stone Age, when primitive peoples hunted and gathered in the Serra da Aboboreira, and continued through the Bronze Age and the Romanization of the Iberian peninsula. The Amarante's architecture is predominantly Romanesque. The Travanca monastery, the Mancelos church, the Teles church, the Freixo de Baixo monastery, and the Gato church are all important religious structures to the north of the Tâmega. The Jazente church, the Lufrei church, and the Gondar monastery, all in a more modest style, may be located on the river's southern bank. On March 12, 2010, Amarante joined the Sousa Valley Romanesque Route project.

The terroir and geography of the Amarante wine region

Amarante is located in the Minho area's agricultural fields and is part of the Porto district, region Norte, and sub-region Támega. The Tâmega River runs through town and is bridged by the Ponte So Gonçalo, a massive arched bridge. Amarante has the hottest summers in the nation which is higher than the local average. The Amarante wine region is shielded from the Atlantic and has a high average elevation. Certain late-ripening varieties benefit from these conditions. The soil, like the majority of the region, is granite. White wines typically have fruity flavors and a higher alcohol concentration than the regional average.

Popular grape varieties from the Amarante wine region

Loureiro and Alvarinho are the most planted grape types in the Amarante region, and they are utilized in wines as blends or as a single variety. Amarante's nose frequently displays citrus, honey, or earth tastes, as well as flavors of tree fruit and citrus fruit. Other grapes that are grown in the region are Azal, Avesso, Amaral, and Espadeiro. Amarante has a pleasant freshness in the mouth. Amarante boasts 6 estates and châteaux producing 10 different wines under conventional, organic, and biodynamic cultivation. These wines pair nicely with seafood, vegetarian cuisine, and appetizers and snacks in general.

Food to pair with Amarante wine 

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that may be enjoyed as a special treat all year. Many spices complement lamb, so experiment with various herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your choice.

Rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets go well with robust red wines from the wine region of Serra de Tramuntana.

Paella

One of Spain's most popular dishes is paella, a one-pot treat prepared with saffron-flavored rice. Meat, fish, or vegetables may be included as extra ingredients. Paella, according to legend, began in Valencia and was prepared with seasonal vegetables, poultry, rabbit, and occasionally snails. The dish is usually served in a shallow pan that may also be used to cook in.

Paella contains a crispy bottom layer of caramelized rice called socorrat because it is cooked in a big and shallow pan. The dish varies in each restaurant since authentic versions take more time and skill. The Paella pairs wonderfully with Manchuela wines.

Lobster a l'Americaine

Lobster a l'Americaine is a classic French dish that can be made with a variety of components including  Lobster flesh, carrots, celery, shallots, tomato paste, garlic, dry white wine, cognac or dry sherry, chicken or fish stock, bay leaves, olive oil, thyme, heavy cream, butter, and chopped parsley.

Lobster is cooked in a tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, tarragon, and thyme before being flamed with cognac for a truly fantastic feast. Although cooking the lobster in its shell enhances flavor, it is optional to remove it before cooking.

Places to visit in the Amarante wine region

Amarante Golf Course

Amarante Golf Course was founded in 1997. This amazing golf course is surrounded by natural beauty, including two of Portugal's highest mountains, Maro and Aboboreira, and its rugged topography provides a challenge to players. Located 6 kilometers from Amarante in the parish of Fregim. The course has 18 holes, a par of 68, is spread out over 40 acres, and has an elevation of 600 meters. The fast but undulating greens, which require extra care from players, are the highlights. It has seven par threes, eight par fours, and three par fives. The website also has a golf school that offers courses and assistance to people of all ages and skills.

Convento De São Gonçalo

The Convento de So Gonçalo is undoubtedly Amarante's most dominant and beautiful structure, with its magnificent red Cupola dominating the skyline and commanding location overlooking the bridge. Dom Joo III ordered construction to begin in 1540, and it took 40 years to complete. A stunning Mannerism gateway with towering niches featuring 17th-century granite statues faces a square next to the monastery. St. Francis and St. Domingos de Gusmo are depicted in the foreground, while St. Gonçalo, St. Peter the Martyr, and St. Thomas Aquinas are depicted in the backdrop, all under the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

Frequently asked questions about Amarante