The wine-growing region is located in the very south of Portugal. It is also (along with Alentejo) an important area for the production of corks. In 1980, it was classified as a DOC area. In the meantime, however, it has been downgraded to Vinho Regional (VR) or an IGP area (country wines) covering the entire region. In the process, the former IPR areas of Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira were classified as DOC areas. Although wines were exported to England in the 14th and 15th centuries, many vineyards were cleared in favour of oak forests in the 17th century. High-alcohol red wines are mainly made from the autochthonous varieties Bastardo (Alfrocheiro), Moreto do Alentejo, Negramoll and Periquita (Castelão Francês). The most important white wine varieties are Arinto, Diagalves, Perrum (Pedro Ximénez), Rabo de Ovelha and Tamarez d'Algarve (Síria). The white wines are partly produced in the style of a sherry.
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