Trás-os-Montes

Sandwiched between Spain and the Douro, the name of this remote, oft-overlooked region means ‘beyond the mountains.’ Yields are low in this elevated, rugged region, which has an extreme continental climate. It is sparsely populated, with few producers. Lured by unusual varieties like Tinta Gorda, Serrana, Verdelho Vermelho (reds) and Posto Branco and Bastardo Branco (whites), young artisanal producers are stitching together scattered old field blend parcels to make wines of great personality. Generally planted to Douro and French varieties, modern quality-focused estates produce medium to full-bodied spicy, well-structured wines.