Blauer Portugieser at a glance Grape: red, often simply called PortugieserOrigin: Central Europe, despite the name not from PortugalIn Austria: mainly in the Thermenregion and the WeinviertelStyle: dry, light and suppleFlavour: red berries, cherries, raspberries and a light spicinessServing: lightly chilled, 14 to 16 degrees CelsiusPairs with: poultry, charcuterie, grilled vegetables and light meat dishesKeeping: best young, within 2 to 3 yearsWhat is Blauer Portugieser? Blauer Portugieser is a red grape grown mainly in Austria, Germany and Hungary. The grape makes light, approachable red wines that you can drink without long ageing.
Is Blauer Portugieser from Portugal? No, despite the name. Genetic research by Germany's Julius Kühn Institute showed in 2016 that Blauer Portugieser is a cross between Grüner Silvaner and the old grape Blaue Zimmettraube. The researchers point to what is now north-eastern Slovenia as its likely origin, an area that used to belong to Styria. Where the name Portugieser comes from is not known.
Where does Blauer Portugieser grow? In Austria , Blauer Portugieser grows mainly in Lower Austria: in the Thermenregion south of Vienna and in the Weinviertel in the north-east. In Germany the grape is found mainly in the Pfalz and Rheinhessen. In Hungary it is called Kékoportó and grows in regions including Villány, Eger and Szekszárd.
What does Blauer Portugieser taste like? Blauer Portugieser wine is light in colour and body, with aromas of red berries, cherries and raspberries. The tannins are soft and the wine drinks fresh and juicy. That makes Portugieser one of the lightest Austrian red wines, lighter than Zweigelt or St. Laurent .
Which styles of Blauer Portugieser are there? Light and fresh. The classic style: drunk young, juicy and supple, ideal lightly chilled.
Oak-aged. Ageing in large wooden casks adds depth and a softer structure, while the fruit stays in the foreground.
Rosé. Thanks to its light colour, Blauer Portugieser also makes fresh rosé. In Germany such a rosé is often called Weißherbst.
Our Austrian Blauer Portugieser wines From the Thermenregion The Blauer Portugieser DAC Thermenregion from Weingut Dopler is aged in large wooden casks. It is soft and fruity, with red berries, cherries and a subtle spiciness. DAC Thermenregion on the label means the wine comes from this protected area of origin south of Vienna.
From the Weinviertel The Blauer Portugieser Ried Längen from Weingut Hindler comes from a single vineyard on loess and sand in the Weinviertel. It is lively and fresh, with red berries, raspberries and blueberries, and is also aged in large oak casks.
What food goes with Blauer Portugieser? Thanks to its light style, Blauer Portugieser goes with many dishes, such as poultry, grilled vegetables, pasta, charcuterie and light meat dishes. It is also lovely with an Austrian Brettljause, a board of cold meats, cheese and bread. Serve it lightly chilled to bring out the fresh fruit.
Where to buy Blauer Portugieser At ONWINE you buy wine directly from the winemaker, and on our winemakers page you can read who is behind each wine. Shipping is free from 12 bottles from the same winemaker. Like light, supple red wine? Then also try our Zweigelt or browse all our Austrian red wine .
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Frequently asked questions about Blauer Portugieser Is Blauer Portugieser dry? Yes, our Blauer Portugieser wines are dry. Thanks to the juicy fruit and soft tannins, they taste mild and supple.
What is the difference between Blauer Portugieser and Zweigelt? Both are supple Austrian red wines. Blauer Portugieser is lighter, with red berries and little tannin. Zweigelt has more body, with ripe cherries and a little more structure.
What is Blauburger? Blauburger is a different grape: a cross of Blauer Portugieser and Blaufränkisch, bred by Friedrich Zweigelt in 1923 in Klosterneuburg. Blauburger makes dark, fruity red wines and is grown mainly in the Weinviertel, often as part of a blend.
At what temperature should you serve Blauer Portugieser? Lightly chilled, at 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. Put the bottle in the fridge for half an hour before serving.
How long can you keep Blauer Portugieser? Blauer Portugieser is best drunk young, within 2 to 3 years, when the fruit is at its freshest. Store the bottles lying down, in a cool, dark place.
