Alentejo wine Alentejo wine Alentejo ("Vinho do Alentejo", Alentejo wines) is a Portuguese wine region located in the Alentejo region of the country. The entire region is entitled to use the "Vinho Regional" designation Alentejano VR, while some areas are also classified at the higher "Denominação de Origem Controlada" (DOC) level under the designation Alentejo DOC. VR is similar to the French "vin de pays" and DOC to the French AOP. Located in the southern half of Portugal, the Alentejo region covers about a third of the country and is sparsely populated. In 2005, South Oregon University scientist Gregory V. Jones identified
Rioja (wine) La Rioja wine region, whereas the south-southwestern part of the La Rioja region is not a part of this Protected designation of origin. Located on the western edge of the region and at higher elevations than the other areas, the Rioja Alta is known more for its "old world" style of wine. A higher elevation equates to a shorter growing season, which in turn produces brighter fruit flavors and a wine that is lighter on the palate. Despite sharing a similar climate as the Alta region, the Rioja Alavesa produces wines with a fuller body and higher acidity. Vineyards in