Tejo Wines are embracing progressive regulatory updates that will help position this rising region at the forefront of the Portuguese wine industry as far as the growing global demand for lower-alcohol and lighter wine options is concerned. Introduced earlier this month, following approval by the Tejo General Council (CVR) and formal recognition by the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV), wines certified under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Tejo are now permitted to include wines with a new lower minimum alcohol content at just 7.5% abv for “Leve” (light) wines, and partially dealcoholised wines with a minimum alcohol content at 0.5% abv.
The revised alcohol thresholds are as follows:
- Red and rosé wines: minimum 10.5% abv
- White wines: minimum 10.5% abv
- IG Leve (light) red, rosé and white wines: now a minimum 7.5% abv – maximum 10.5% abv. Previously 9% -10.5%
In addition, producers in the region are now officially allowed to partially dealcoholise wines. Under the conditions set by current European legislation and approved oenological practices, these wines can be certified as PGI Tejo and must have a minimum of 0.5% alcohol.
Tejo is defined by the majestic River Tejo which flows through the heart of the region. Its cool breezes and morning mists, together with the coastal influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, create ideal conditions for balanced ripening and impart a distinctive freshness to the wines. These natural cooling influences help the grapes reach flavour maturity gradually, preventing excess sugar from building up. As a result, producers don’t need to intervene heavily to craft wines with naturally lower alcohol levels.
Aligning the region with the growing global consumer demand for lower-alcohol wines, these new revisions open up the opportunity for Tejo to offer greater versatility for consumers who seek moderation without compromising on quality or regional character. Tejo’s proximity to Lisbon means that the winemakers have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to wine trends and are able to respond quickly, creating wines with both the contemporary palate and trade needs in mind. These welcome changes reflect the region’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and adaptability, while staying true to its rich and authentic winemaking heritage.
Portuguese wines are on the rise in the UK with export volumes increasing, including those of Tejo Wines. This momentum is extending into lighter styles, such as “leve” wines, as consumers increasingly seek lower-alcohol options. With a naturally occurring lower-abv, the grapes for “leve” wines are harvested earlier to create a fresher style with higher, vibrant acidity. Tejo wines will now be offering a broader range of “leve” wines to the UK to respond to evolving lifestyle choices and to establish them as quality options from Portugal within the lower-alcohol sector.
Luis de Castro, President of the CVR Tejo said; “Tejo’s most compelling attribute is diversity. With a multitude of microclimates, indigenous and international grape varieties and characteristic terroirs, the talented winemakers in the region create a breadth of styles, which feature naturally occurring lower-alcohol wines. As UK drinkers increasingly adopt moderation, demand for lighter styles of wine is moving from niche to mainstream. We’re excited to now be able to offer a range of new wines for this category to the UK trade that will sit as easily on a restaurant wine list as on a retail shelf and will provide more opportunities for UK consumers to taste and enjoy our region’s wines.”
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. These new regulations ensure that Tejo can now bring these attributes on a much larger scale to the lower alcohol sector as well.