Algarve

Algarve, the southernmost province of Portugal, now better known for tourism than for wine (see map under portugal). There is, however, evidence of a long winemaking tradition in the Algarve, principally fortified wines. The entire province is designated as a vinho regional and its four dops were centred on local co-operatives at Lagos, Portimão, lagoa, and Tavira (only one of which now remains). The climate and soils of the Algarve are generally thought to be better for citrus fruit and cork trees than vines but private investment in a small but growing number of boutique wineries has proved that the Algarve can produce medal-winners. Still, attaining phenolic ripeness can be challenging. The popular British singer Sir Cliff Richard has helped put the Algarve on the wine map by planting a vineyard and building a winery near the resort of Albufeira.