Alto Alentejo Subregion, Rural subregion in south-central Portugal.
Alto Alentejo is a rural region in south-central Portugal with rolling hills, cork forests, and a Mediterranean climate that stretches between the Spanish border and Ribatejo. Fertile soils throughout the area support agriculture and vineyards that dot the landscape.
The region contains prehistoric burial chambers, including the Anta do Tapadão near Crato, which dates back thousands of years to the Neolithic period. These structures show that the area was inhabited and held importance long before written history.
The food culture here revolves around fresh produce and traditional recipes passed down through generations, with black Iberian pork, homemade bread, and regional sweets playing central roles in daily meals. Walking through local markets and small restaurants, you notice how much people value these ingredients and the way they prepare them according to old methods.
The region is accessible by train from Lisbon to Portalegre, a journey of roughly three and a half hours, with connections to other towns available. Visitors should plan to spend time exploring the countryside and small villages at their own pace.
Wines from this area gain distinct qualities from granite and limestone soils, with cooler temperatures around Portalegre creating grapes with particular flavor traits. These regional wines remain relatively unknown beyond local circles, even though they deserve wider recognition.
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