Portugieser
Definition - What does Portugieser mean?
Portugieser is a red grape popular in Austria, also known as Blauer Portugieser because of its dark blue hue similar to blueberries. It is mainly grown and used for Austrian, Slovenian and German wines and primarily found in the Rheinhessen and Pfalz regions of Germany and in Slovenia and Lower Austria.
Despite its name, it has no association with Portugal.
WineFrog explains Portugieser
Ampelographers have found no evidence that the Portugieser grape originated from Portugal, despite the name. It was rumored at one time that an Austrian, Johann von Fries, brought it from Oporto, to his estate in Austria in 1772. No one thinks this is true, however. It has been found that it is more likely to have originated in the Danube Valley in Austria.
The grape is popular due to its high resistance to disease and rot. It is also a very prolific vine. It ripens early, even in cold climates and makes light-bodied wines.
