Tejo Wines has announced the recognition of the region’s fourth terroir, “Serras” following an in-depth regional soil study completed in 2025. Joining Tejo’s existing three recognised terroirs, Bairro, Campo and Charneca, Serras is the oldest in terms of vineyard age, but the newest in official delimitation and name.
The new terroir has been named “Serras” translating to “mountains” in English to reflect its mountainous nature, with vineyards planted on slopes and plateaus, and a higher average altitude than the other terroirs of 232 metres. These higher-altitude conditions create a cooler, more humid climate, with greater diurnal temperature variation and annual rainfall ranging from 800 mm to 2,000mm, considerably higher than the regional average. The combination of these climatic factors leads to slower grape ripening and reinforces the freshness of the wines.
Covering just 375 hectares, Serras is a niche terroir home to some of the oldest vineyards in Tejo with an average planting year of 1978. To give some context, 40 years is the minimum age required for the designation of Old Vines in the Douro region, the only Portuguese region where this age is legislated and officially recognised.
Tejo’s flagship white, Fernão Pires leads among white grapes, followed by Arinto, while Castelão, and the region’s flagship red variety, Castelão stands out amongst the reds, followed by Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira. The soil is predominantly poor, stony and well-drained, with schist and granite. These more demanding conditions result in resilient vines, deeper root systems, balanced growth and naturally low yields compared to the regional average.
Luis de Castro, President of the CVR Tejo, said: “We’re delighted to be able to make this important announcement ahead of the Wines of Portugal tasting next week. The new Serras terroir reflects Tejo’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and diversity, while staying true to our rich and authentic winemaking heritage. Serras has a big impact on the wines, contributing elegance and minerality, good structure and vibrant natural acidity, and consequently a strong ageing potential.”
He continues, “From relative obscurity to rising star, Tejo is now increasingly on the global wine agenda as a source of distinctive styles with alluring freshness and exceptional value at all price points.”