TRAS-OS-MONTES
In the remote north east of Portugal, cut off from the coast by a series of mountain ranges, Trás-os-Montes is wild, high country, its soils poor and unproductive, mostly granitic with the odd patch of schist. The extreme continental climate brings long, hot summers followed by long, icy winters.
A region recognized as being the world's leading site for Ancient Roman lagars, Tras-os-Montes has remained somewhat a forgotten and lost region. With a dwindling young population, poor roads and long distances, the Transmontanos have always reverted to the richness of their land, becoming masters in the production of olive oil, wine, fruits, nuts etc.
With higher altitudes and extreme climates, the Tras-os-Montes wine region is producing some of Portugal's most interesting and wild wines, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties and sustainable agriculture.
