Tejo boasts a long-standing tradition in viticulture and is recognized as one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the country. The vineyards have adorned the banks of the Tejo River, which dates back to the Roman era. The remnants of past grape-growing civilizations can be observed in the various architectural remains scattered throughout the area.

Formerly known as Ribatejo, the region was renamed Tejo in 2009 as a tribute to the river that has played a significant role in its geography, weather, and economy for centuries. The river has also played a vital role in molding the unique terroirs of Tejo, making the surrounding plains and riverbanks a perfect place to grow native grape varieties in Portugal.

The wines produced in Tejo are known for their quality and balance, making them some of the most vibrant and affordable options in Portugal. They offer a diverse range of styles to suit all tastes and budgets. The warm climate and complex soils of the region provide an ideal environment for native red grapes like Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Castelão, and Aragonês, as well as aromatic white grapes like Fernão Pires and lively Arinto, which retain high natural acidity to produce well-balanced wines with bright fruit characteristics.

The wineries of Tejo share the land with ancient villages, olive groves, and cork forests. Each winery has its own unique story and style but is united by a common goal of producing high-quality wines that express the land's terroir. The people of Tejo are passionate about their region and believe in its special qualities.

The region has several unique and distinctive traditions, including foot-treading, community harvest, and the use of traditional cork closures made from native, natural, and sustainable Portuguese cork.

The Tejo River is a defining feature of the region's terroir. Its breadth and strength have a fundamental impact on the soil and climate, creating three distinct wine-producing zones: Bairro, Charneca, and Campo.

Bairro
The Bairro district can be found on the northern side of the Tejo River. Its landscape is characterized by undulating hills and expansive flatlands that boast fertile limestone and clay soils. In the northern regions of the area, there are segments of land that feature schist deposits, which promote the growth of vine roots to penetrate deeper into the ground.

Charneca
Located on the southern side of the Tejo River is the Charneca region. It is a dry, level terrain characterized by infertile, sandy soils that challenge the vines, resulting in the production of fruit with greater complexity. The elevated temperatures in this area accelerate the maturation of grapes more quickly than in other parts of the Tejo area.

Campo

In the Tejo region, passionate wine producers are refocusing on quality and balance through experimentation, modern equipment investment, a dedication to reducing yields, and cultivating terroir-specific grapes. They are combining Old World traditions with innovative approaches to winemaking, producing wines that cater to contemporary wine preferences and enjoyment.

Tejo wines are among the most vibrant and reasonably priced wines emerging from Portugal, offering a wide range of styles that appeal to various tastes and budgets. The region's indigenous red grapes, including the bold Touriga Nacional, Portugal's most renowned grape variety, as well as Trincadeira, Castelão, and Aragonês, produce a diverse range of flavors. Additionally, the aromatic Fernão Pires and lively Arinto, as well as Alvarinho and Verdelho, produce some of the region's most refreshing white wines. Tejo's warm climate and complex soils allow native grape varieties to flourish while maintaining high natural acidity, producing balanced wines with bright fruit flavors.

Images and descriptions courtesy of Wines of Portugal

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