Buy Lisboa wine: natural wines full of energy from a new generation
The Lisboa region takes its name from the capital, but its vineyards stretch up to almost 100 km north of it. Nine appellations bear witness to a rich tradition that came under pressure in the 20th century. Now a new generation is driving a revival.
Since 1999, The Portugal Collection has offered wines from Lisboa by producers including Marinho, Humus and Casal Figueira, imported directly and delivered throughout Belgium.
Lisboa at a glance
| Location | Western Portugal, from Lisbon to almost 100 km further north along the Atlantic coast |
|---|---|
| Climate | Moderated by the cool sea breeze, giving grapes with good acidity |
| Appellations | 9, including Alenquer, Arruda, Bucelas, Carcavelos, Colares, Encostas d'Aire, Lourinhã, Óbidos and Torres Vedras |
| Label | 90% of production is sold as Vinho Regional Lisboa |
| Style | Among the new generation: naturally made wines, fresh and full of energy |
Nine appellations, little identity
Despite nine recognised appellations, 90% of production is sold as Vinho Regional. So you hardly ever see bottles with one of those appellations on the label. That is the result of decades of focusing on quantity rather than quality.
Fifteen large co-operatives dominated the area, making it the most productive region in Portugal. Unfortunately quality was not always the priority, and most DOPs lack identity. In Alenquer, Arruda, Encostas d'Aire, Lourinhã, Óbidos and Torres Vedras, you will find hardly any producers giving the appellation a face.
On top of that, urban growth around Lisbon has squeezed some of the most interesting DOPs. Carcavelos has all but disappeared from the map, you need a magnifying glass to find the famous vineyards of Colares, and most of the remaining vines in Bucelas see their grapes vanish into the vats of two very large producers.
The natural way
That has recently changed, and Lisboa may now be the most dynamic region in Portugal. Young winemakers find it much easier here than in, say, the Douro or the Dão to get hold of a vineyard with limited means, and more and more of them are doing so. Volumes are still very small, but the quality is excellent.
Strikingly, this new generation firmly chooses a natural approach. That gives wines full of energy: the cool sea breeze provides grapes with good acidity, and the natural approach makes the most of that foundation.
Our Lisboa producers
Marinho
A wide range of idiosyncratic cuvées, from Sunset, Wipeout and Punker to Cezapil, Jurapil, Bro and Amphorassic.
All Marinho wines
Humus
Red, white, rosé, palhete and pét-nat, including the skin-contact Curtimenta and A Deriva.
All Humus wines
Casal Figueira
Vermelho, Tinto and António.
All Casal Figueira wines
More Lisboa
Also Quinta da Murta from Bucelas, Flui, Las Vedras, Safado and Samarra.
View the full range
Read more about Quinta da Murta, Vitor Claro and Safado.
View all Lisboa wines in the webshop
Delivery and collection
We deliver throughout Belgium. Shipping costs €15.73 (incl. VAT) and is free from €175. Prefer to collect? You can pick up your order at our shop in Roeselare, Kaaistraat 62A. More about delivery
Frequently asked questions about Lisboa wine
Where can you buy wine from Lisboa in Belgium?
Since 1999, The Portugal Collection has specialised in Portuguese wine and imports wines from Lisboa by producers such as Marinho, Humus and Casal Figueira. Order online with delivery throughout Belgium, or collect in Roeselare.
Why is an appellation rarely shown on the label?
Because 90% of the wine is sold as Vinho Regional Lisboa. Decades of mass production by large co-operatives left most appellations with little identity of their own.
What makes Lisboa interesting today?
A new generation of winemakers who find vineyards more easily here than elsewhere and choose a natural approach. The cool sea breeze gives grapes with good acidity, resulting in fresh wines full of energy.
What are Colares and Bucelas?
Two historic appellations close to Lisbon. Colares is known for its vineyards in the sand by the ocean, Bucelas for white wine from Arinto. Because of urban growth, few vineyards remain in either.
Discover our other Portuguese wine regions too: Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Vinho Verde, Alentejo and Porto.