History of Portuguese wine country unfavorable for viticulture, making the country a ready market for imported wines; its proximity to France, made French wines a natural source. At times the supply was threatened by political and military conflicts between the English and French crowns. New sources had to be found such as the wines of Portugal. Documents exist detailing Portuguese wine shipments from the Minho region to England occurring as early as the 12th century. These wines, including those from the wet northern region of modern-day Vinho Verde, were often light and astringent with noticeable acidity. Despite the new source, the variety of French
2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira during the event, fought off the challenges of the other Škodas, Luca Rossetti's Abarth and Meeke's Peugeot. Rossetti crashed out of the event during the second run through the Cidade de Santana stage, while Meeke retired on stage 17 due to a mechanical problem, two stages after breaking an alternator belt. Behind Loix and Kopecký, Hänninen finished third but still holds a seven-point lead over Kopecký in the championship. 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira (Madeira Wine Rally), was the eighth round of the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) season. The 21 stage asphalt rally