<p>This white wine is famous if you&#39;re in the know.  Why? Well, it&#39;s dry, rich, golden-colored and delicious. It comes from a region that&#39;s full of castles. </p>
<p>The wine in this video is from <a href="https://winefolly.com/club/" title="Learn more about Wine Folly Club">Wine Folly Club!</a></p>


This white wine is famous if you're in the know.  Why? Well, it's dry, rich, golden-colored and delicious. It comes from a region that's full of castles. 

The wine in this video is from [Wine Folly Club!](https://winefolly.com/club/ "Learn more about Wine Folly Club")

The Perfect Castle Wine?

<p>Welcome to Beja, the southern frontier of Portugal&#39;s Alentejo wine region. A land where summer temperatures regularly hit 135ºF (57ºC). A land of survival, resilience, and tradition. And at the center of it all? An ancient winemaking vessel called the talha.</p>
<p>These massive clay pots (some taller than a human) have been used in Portugal since Roman times. And while the technique was nearly lost to modernization, today, talha wines are some of the most exciting (and unexpected) in Europe.</p>
<h2 id="beja-portugals-wild-south">Beja: Portugal&#39;s Wild South</h2>
<p>To understand talha wines, you have to understand Beja.</p>
<p>This is the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-wines-to-drink-from-portugal-by-region/">southern slice of Alentejo</a>, home to subregions like Vidigueira, Moura, and Granja-Amareleja. The terrain is rugged, dry, and sun-scorched. In August, stepping outside is like opening an oven door. And yet, this extreme climate produces surprisingly elegant wines, if you know where to look.</p>
<p>Some grapes, such as Moreto (a local red variety similar to <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/grenache/">Grenache</a>) and Perrum (a white variety), have adapted to thrive in these harsh conditions. They ripen fully while maintaining freshness; a rare feat in such heat. And when you ferment them in a talha, something magical happens.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/2xPaldc4q75gFuwE3vsQ0c/cb963ccad557f0e316672f4a8cc09dfb/Talhas_at_Rocim_Winery_in_Southern_Alentejo._Credit.jpg" alt="Talhas at Rocim Winery in Southern Alentejo. ">
Talhas at Rocim Winery in Southern Alentejo. <a href="https://rocim.pt/produto/amphora-wine-tour/">Credit</a></p>
<h2 id="what-is-talha-wine-exactly">What Is Talha Wine, Exactly?</h2>
<p>Think of a talha as Portugal&#39;s version of the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/concrete-egg-fermenters-classic-or-cracked-fad/">amphora</a>: a giant clay vessel used to ferment and sometimes age wine. But these aren&#39;t just historical novelties. Talha winemaking is still alive in parts of Beja, especially Vidigueira, where some winemakers ferment wine exactly as the Romans did.</p>
<p>The process is simple, but not easy:</p>
<ul>
<li>Whole grapes are crushed and placed directly into the talha</li>
<li>Fermentation happens naturally (no temperature control, no fancy tools)</li>
<li>Gases must be released by stirring (or risk a clay explosion)</li>
<li>Some winemakers even leave the wine on skins for months</li>
</ul>
<p>The result? Wines that are textured, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-are-wine-tannins/">tannic</a>, earthy, and deeply tied to their place. They taste old, in a good way.</p>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/2AFixfrhvMIsZrY4x1e9CR/e3bfbea18814c6f52efe0ad049a104b3/Wine_Folly%C3%A2__s_Madeline_Puckette_tastes_Talhas_wine_at_Honrado_Vineyards.jpg" alt="Wine Folly’s Madeline Puckette tastes Talhas wine at Honrado Vineyards">
Wine Folly’s Madeline Puckette tastes Talhas wine at Honrado Vineyards</p>
<h2 id="talha-is-tradition-but-its-also-innovation">Talha Is Tradition, But It&#39;s Also Innovation</h2>
<p>In Granja-Amareleja, Wine Folly&#39;s co-founder, Madeline Puckette, met José Piteira, a winemaker with a tiny plot of old-vine ungrafted Moreto. He pours his latest vintage, made entirely in talha.</p>
<p>It&#39;s fresh, lifted, and shockingly lithe, especially considering these vines see more heat than Death Valley. &quot;After 15 years and tens of thousands of wines tasted… I&#39;ve never had a Moreto before. Honestly, I&#39;m impressed. Moreto is worth saving, hands down.&quot;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, at Herdade do Peso, one of Portugal&#39;s larger producers, tradition meets sustainability. In the face of rising alcohol levels, they did something radical: They reforested 40% of their vineyard estate.</p>
<p>The trees cool the land, reduce evaporation, and create microclimates. And it&#39;s working:</p>
<ul>
<li>In 2012: Wines bottled at 15.5% ABV</li>
<li>In 2023: Wines bottled at 13–13.5% ABV</li>
</ul>
<p>Sometimes, looking back is how you move forward.</p>
<h2 id="how-to-find-talha-wines">How To Find Talha Wines</h2>
<p>If you want to taste this ancient tradition, look for wines labeled &quot;Vinho de Talha DOC.&quot; These wines are often field blends of indigenous varieties, fermented in clay, and made by small-scale producers across Beja, especially near Vidigueira.</p>
<p>Talha wines don&#39;t taste like anything else. They&#39;re not fruity bombs. They&#39;re not buttery oaks. They&#39;re textural, soulful, and often a little funky. They speak softly, but carry centuries of wisdom.</p>
<p>In a world full of stainless steel and barrique, talhas are a reminder: Sometimes, the future of wine lies in the past.</p>


The Clay Revolution in Alentejo

<p>Texas Hill Country might just be the wine region you didn’t know you needed to know. Tucked away in central Texas, this <a href="https://texashillcountry.guides.winefolly.com/regions/">sprawling AVA</a> blends rugged charm with serious winemaking chops. With over 100 wineries (and counting), it’s a place where Southern hospitality meets a surprisingly sophisticated glass of wine.</p>
<p>Think bold Tempranillo, zesty Roussanne, and even some <a href="https://texashillcountry.guides.winefolly.com/wines/">experimental blends</a> that turn heads. Thanks to high elevation, intense sun, and cool nighttime temps, the wines here show unexpected finesse—ripe, but structured, with a real sense of place. Add in <a href="https://texashillcountry.guides.winefolly.com/terroir/">limestone-rich soils</a> and a crew of passionate, pioneering winemakers, and you’ve got a region that’s quietly rewriting the American wine story.</p>
<p>Curious? Dive into Wine Folly&#39;s <a href="https://texashillcountry.guides.winefolly.com">Texas Hill Country Region Guide</a> to understand why this wild, sun-soaked landscape is becoming one of the most exciting wine frontiers in the U.S.</p>


Guide to Texas Hill Country Wine

<p>Portugal’s Alentejo region could be the last wild wine frontier in Europe. Because <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-wines-to-drink-from-portugal-by-region/">the region</a> didn&#39;t invest in international varieties (you know, like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a>), it now specializes in rare, native grapes. </p>
<p>Here’s a closer look at the major grapes that define Alentejo’s unique wine identity.</p>
<h3 id="avant-tejo-blends">&quot;Avant Tejo&quot; Blends</h3>
<ul>
<li>A popular red wine style that emerged in Alentejo that blends the local and indigenous wine varieties such as <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/alicante-bouschet/">Alicante Bouschet</a> and Trincadeira, but is crafted in a modern way, much like Bordeaux.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="antão-vaz">Antão Vaz</h3>
<ul>
<li>Indigenous to the southern parts of Alentejo (called &quot;Beja&quot;) and especially prominent in Vidigueira.</li>
<li>As a white wine it&#39;s exceptionally well-suited to the region’s hot, dry climate; highly resistant to drought and disease.</li>
<li>Expect fuller-bodied white wines with notes of pineapple, citrus, and floral nuances. When it&#39;s made in Talha (<a href="https://winefolly.com/lifestyle/a-brief-illustrated-history-of-wine/">an ancient amphora</a>) it&#39;s even richer!</li>
<li>Antão Vaz is often blended with Arinto or Roupeiro for added acidity and structure.
Perfect for those who enjoy complex, <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-pairing/getting-started-with-food-and-wine-pairing/">food-friendly whites</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/U6toUw42VPH6oSQgg996P/8acfb7b6ab9287a5ac79f7c1d3c7d6d8/Mapped-Wine-Folly-Wine-Cycling-Show-Madeline-Puckette.jpg" alt="Mapped-Wine-Folly-Wine-Cycling-Show-Madeline-Puckette">
David Gluzman and Madeline Puckette explore Alentejo’s wine frontier by bike.</p>
<h3 id="arinto">Arinto</h3>
<ul>
<li>A versatile white grape grown throughout Portugal, valued in Alentejo for its ability to retain acidity in warm climates.</li>
<li>Wines are vibrant, with lively acidity, strong mineral character, and flavors of green apple, lime, and lemon.</li>
<li>Frequently used in blends to “lift” other varieties, but it shines as a single varietal wine. </li>
<li>Look around Évora and Portalegre for some of the freshest examples.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="alicante-bouschet">Alicante Bouschet</h3>
<ul>
<li>A rare “teinturier” grape with red flesh, producing wines of intense color and body.</li>
<li>Thrives in Alentejo’s climate, often made as a single-varietal wine or used to add depth to blends.</li>
<li>Wines are full-bodied with <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-are-wine-tannins/">firm tannins</a>, moderate acidity, and flavors of dark berries and earthy undertones.</li>
<li>Known for its <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/how-wines-age/">aging potential</a> and appeal to those who love bold, concentrated reds.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="touriga-nacional">Touriga Nacional</h3>
<ul>
<li>Widely regarded as Portugal’s finest red grape; originally from the north but now thriving in Alentejo.</li>
<li>Produces deeply colored, structured wines with rich tannins, floral and fruity aromas (black currant and violet).</li>
<li>Perfect for those seeking intense, complex reds with elegance.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/1TUvAdZ48UmtZc4AYHdIZl/75d43d29d4f23a990668bc97eaf791de/Portugl-Alentejo-Wine-Varieties-WineFolly.jpg" alt="Portugl-Alentejo-Wine-Varieties-WineFolly">
The major grapes of Alentejo in Portugal offer new varieties to discover. </p>
<h3 id="aragonez-tempranillo">Aragonez (Tempranillo)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Known as <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/tempranillo/">Tempranillo</a> in Spain and Tinta Roriz in northern Portugal, Aragonez is a staple in Alentejo blends.</li>
<li>Adapts well to Alentejo’s hot, dry conditions, producing wines with higher alcohol and lower acidity.</li>
<li>Aromatic profile includes cherry, plum, wildflower, and spice; wines are medium to full-bodied with good tannic structure.</li>
<li>Great for lovers of balanced, fruit-driven reds with aging potential.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="trincadeira">Trincadeira</h3>
<ul>
<li>Native to Portugal and especially important in Alentejo.</li>
<li>Produces wines with red fruit aromas and a mineral-earthy quality.</li>
<li>Wines generally have higher acidity and a spicy palate.</li>
<li>This wine is for those who enjoy lively, food-friendly reds.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="alfrocheiro">Alfrocheiro</h3>
<ul>
<li>Adds freshness, color, and acidity to Alentejo blends.</li>
<li>Wines are aromatic, with notes of red berry fruit and baking spice, and offer good aging potential.</li>
<li>Wines made from Alfrocheiro are great for the cellar due to their elevated acidity.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="moreto">Moreto</h3>
<ul>
<li>A lesser-known but distinctive red grape thriving in Alentejo’s heat.</li>
<li>Produces elegant, lighter-bodied reds reminiscent of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a>, yet adapted to the region’s hot climate.</li>
<li>Wines are soft, with subtle fruit and earthy notes, offering something unique for adventurous wine drinkers.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/15SSX74pmd5lQDAqlNDsgC/357b7271a65af46c19d83dcaf21592b7/Wine-Alentejo-Bold-Reds-Madeline-Puckette.jpg" alt="Wine-Alentejo-Bold-Reds-Madeline-Puckette">
Madeline Puckette regards the “big legs” on Tiago Cabaço’s 100% Alentejo Syrah. </p>
<p>Alentejo’s wines are as diverse as its landscape, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re drawn to fresh, vibrant whites or bold, age-worthy reds, exploring these grape varieties is the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of Portugal’s wine country.</p>


The Grapes Putting Alentejo on the Map

Jasnières

Chenin Blanc

Beautiful aromas of yellow apple and dried honey lend way to bracing acidity and creamy texture. A delicious cool climate Chenin Blanc from the little known appellation of Jasnières in the Loire Valley of France. 

Jasnières Chenin Blanc

Pascal Janvier never planned on becoming a vigneron. Though his parents had vineyard land of their own, they did not make their own wine. Instead, he went to school to learn butchery. However, Pascal made a sudden about-face at the age of thirty and decided to study winegrowing in Amboise. His serious and soft-spoken demeanor reflects a man prone to quiet contemplation and great deliberation. His decision was anything but a whim. Starting slowly, he has mastered his craft with a focus and passion that is contributing towards the revival of the small appellation of Jasnières, in the department of the Sarthe in the Val du Loir. The Loir is a tributary of the Loire River, and its viticultural area is the most northerly (and coldest) of the greater Loire region. The once proud appellations of Jasnières and the Coteaux du Loir (the preferred wines of King Henri IV) are now all but extinct, with still less than one hundred and two hundred hectares respectively under vine. Pascal, with the help of his wife Dominique, is doing his part to remind everyone what Jasnières is capable of.

The Janviers rent sixty-six different parcels (a total of nine hectares) of land and farm it entirely themselves. Jasnières produces some of the best dry Chenin Blanc (Pineau de la Loire) in the world, and its wines are said to reach their peak ten years after the vintage. The soils of their parcels are comprised of clay, limestone, sand and silex (flint), and are planted primarily to Chenin Blanc. KLWM imports one bottling of their red, made from the lighter-bodied and elegant indigenous red grape, Pineau d’Aunis. Their “Cuvée du Silex” parcel has distinct flint in the soil, lending notes of gunpowder to this beautiful, crisp Chenin. There is no doubt that Pascal and Dominique have chosen the path less traveled, though at the first sip of their wine, one understands why they keep working so hard. Their stunning aromatics and complexity prove them to be one of the greatest values in the KLWM Loire Valley Portfolio, along with the celebrated wines of Château d’Epiré. If over-alcoholic wines are getting to you, Pascal Janvier’s wines are a great refuge.

The Perfect Castle Wine?

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