Beira
Beira is a region in the northern half of Portugal. Like all Portuguese regions, it is fairly large, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border. The region includes several DOCs, among them Bairrada, Beira Interior and the famous Dão. The terroir is very varied across Beira, which touches both sides of Portugal and includes coastline, rivers, valleys, lakes, plateaux and low mountains. The same goes for the climate: although strongly influenced by the Atlantic in the maritime west, it comes to resemble the hot, dry continental climate of central Spain in the east.
The sub-region: Bairrada
Bairrada is a DOC in the Beira region, in north-central Portugal. It is known for its rich, deeply coloured red wines made from Baga, Castelão and Rufete, although it has not yet reached the fame of its inland neighbour, Dão. Bairrada lies in the western, coastal half of Beira and enjoys a moderate climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Geologically, most Bairrada vineyards have clay-limestone soils (barro is the Portuguese word for "clay"). This terroir continues eastwards into the Dão wine region, home to some of Portugal's most sought-after vineyards.