Arinto

A historic, off-dry fortified wine from the seaside town of Carcavelos just west of Lisbon. Urban sprawl nearly wiped it out; it survives thanks to a handful of vineyards, notably the one run by the municipality of Oeiras.

Light, crisp whites from the rainy northwest, often low in alcohol and sometimes with a slight sparkle. Everyday blends are some of Portugal’s best-known exports; single-variety Alvarinho and Loureiro offer more depth and age well.

Bairrada is the centre of Portuguese traditional-method sparkling wine, made by second fermentation in bottle. Styles range from crisp whites to Baga-based blanc de noirs and rosé.

Full, sunny whites built on Antão Vaz, freshened with Arinto and Roupeiro. Vidigueira and high Portalegre make the freshest examples.

Wine fermented and aged in large clay amphorae (talhas), sealed inside with pitch or beeswax, a tradition kept alive in the Alentejo since Roman times. White, red and orange versions exist; the wine stays on its skins and cannot be drawn before 11 November.

Crisp, lemony, long-lived whites from Arinto grown just north of Lisbon. Popular in Victorian England, where it was sold as a Portuguese answer to German hock.