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Blue Portuguese - Characteristics of the Pressed Wine

Blue Portuguese grapes typically produce light, low-acid wines with a cherry-red color and aromas of berries and herbs. Blue Portuguese wines are considered fresh, uncomplicated, and easy-drinking, making them popular as simple table wines. These wines pair excellently with light dishes, such as schnitzels and mild cheeses.
With reduced yields, however, strong, full-bodied red wines of higher quality levels can be made from Blue Portuguese grapes through extended maceration and barrique aging.

For example, Blue Portuguese is approved for the production of selection wines in Rheinhessen. Blue Portuguese is classified as early ripening and is very vigorous. For this reason, controlled yield restriction is essential for producing good quality wines.

It is likely that Blue Portuguese is not really a Portuguese variety. Nonetheless, it is exciting: the fresh, mild wines are perfect for a summer evening outdoors.

Blue Portuguese: Red Wine in Its Best Form

Blue Portuguese is one of the most popular and well-known grape varieties in Germany. Although the vineyard area has been declining for some time, it still amounts to 4500 hectares. There must be something special in the wine that makes this variety so successful.

The Blue Portuguese as a Grape Variety with History

Is Blue Portuguese really Portuguese?

Blue Portuguese is considered one of the old red wine varieties. Whether it actually comes from Portugal is a matter of debate. According to a legend, an Austrian envoy brought this grape variety from the south to Lower Austria between 1770 and 1780. In fact, the grape is completely unknown in Portugal.

For this reason, it is more plausible that Blue Portuguese originates from Austria or was imported there when there were no variety lists yet. For years, there were speculations that it was the same grape variety as the Portuguese Moreto de Alentejo. However, there are now DNA studies proving the opposite.

Blue Portuguese in Germany

Initially, Blue Portuguese was grown in Austria and Hungary. From there, it made its way to Germany: In 1880, the pharmacist Johann Philipp Bronner brought the grape to his own country to cultivate it there. However, this also led to the displacement of other old grape varieties from Germany.

Today, Blue Portuguese is the third most important red wine variety in Germany in terms of vineyard area. This is confirmed by the German Wine Institute. The grape variety closely follows Spätburgunder and Dornfelder.

What Wine is Made from Blue Portuguese?

From Strong Fruit Aromas to Delicate Rosé

The Blue Portuguese grape variety typically produces ruby-red wines with a delicate, floral bouquet. They appear fresh, light, and uncomplicated with a mild acidity. Blue Portuguese is soft on the palate, contains hardly any tannins, and has low alcohol content. The fruity notes range from red currant and sour cherry to cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry.

In addition to the typical fresh elegance, Blue Portuguese can also be found as a robust, expressive red wine with intense body. If carefully pressed and allowed to age in a barrique barrel, dark and age-worthy wines are produced.

How Blue Portuguese is Served

Blue Portuguese is mainly processed into uncomplicated everyday wines that are popular in summer. The production of light Weißherbst or rosé is also possible. In this form, a wine spritzer can be prepared very well, which serves as the perfect thirst quencher.

Blue Portuguese makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. As a robust red wine, it pairs well with game dishes or aromatic cheeses, but also with soups and grilled foods. Rosé or Weißherbst also enrich various occasions when enjoyed solo.

Due to its low tannin content, Blue Portuguese can be enjoyed very young. Its convincing freshness also ensures that many wine connoisseurs serve it cooler than other red wines: Typically, a drinking temperature of 14 to 16 degrees is sufficient, with rosé even at 9 to 13 degrees.

Interesting Facts about the Blue Portuguese Grape Variety

What is Blue Portuguese?

Blue Portuguese is an old, yield-strong, and mild grape variety. In Germany and Austria, it is one of the most popular varieties. Blue Portuguese is considered a light and uncomplicated everyday wine with mostly ruby-red color, gentle bouquet, and berry fruit aromas. The range goes from strong red wines to rosé and Weißherbst.

What do the Vines of Blue Portuguese Look Like?

Blue Portuguese is characterized by yellow to slightly reddish wood with fine stripes. The large, glossy green leaves are coarsely serrated. The round, densely growing berries are bright red to blue-violet.

Where is Blue Portuguese Grown?

The largest cultivation area is likely Lower Austria. In Germany, the Palatinate, Rheinhessen, and the Ahr are important regions for the cultivation of Blue Portuguese. Meanwhile, the variety has also been introduced to countries such as Chile, Croatia, and the United States.

What Are the Requirements of Blue Portuguese in the Vineyard?

Blue Portuguese thrives best in moist, cool, and heavy soils. It has no issue with flat locations. Since the variety buds relatively early, harvesting often occurs in the first half of September. It yields strong outputs.