Everything About Sousao Grape
"soo-SOWN" 
Sousao Description
Origin: Minho, Portugal
History: Sousão, also known as Vinhão in the Vinho Verde region, is a red grape variety that originated in Portugal's Minho region. It is traditionally used in the production of deeply colored red wines and is a key component in fortified Port wines due to its intense pigmentation and high acidity. The grape has also been adopted in other wine-producing countries, including Australia, South Africa, and the United States, where it contributes to both fortified and table wines.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, dark-skinned berries with thick skins, forming compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Sousão is a mid-to-late budding and ripening variety with thick skins and compact bunches. It requires good ventilation and a dry growing season but is also prone to drought stress if not adequately irrigated. The grape adapts to various training systems and soil types, including schist and sandy soils.
Food Pairing Sousão's bold flavors and high acidity make it an excellent match for rich and hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and game. The wine's intense fruit profile complements dishes with berry sauces, while its tannic structure stands up to fatty cuts of meat. Additionally, Sousão pairs nicely with aged cheeses and charcuterie.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Full-bodied with a robust structure, offering depth and intensity. Typically vinified dry, though it is also used in fortified wines like Port, which exhibit higher sweetness levels. High tannin levels, contributing to a firm and structured mouthfeel. High acidity, providing freshness and balance to its bold flavors. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 12% to 14.5%, depending on the winemaking style and region.
Blackberry 
Plum 
Dark chocolate 
Spice 
Earthy Sousão wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by dark chocolate and spicy nuances. The high acidity provides a refreshing balance to the rich fruit flavors, and earthy undertones add complexity. In fortified styles like Port, Sousão contributes to a sweet, luscious profile with concentrated dark fruit flavors.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/portugal.png)
Portugal
•Douro
•Vinho Verde
![[object Object] Region](/regions/spain.png)
Spain
•Galicia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•South Australia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/south_africa.png)
South Africa
•Western Cape
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•California
Notable Wines and Producers
Quinta de Ventozelo Sousão
•Quinta de Ventozelo
Mazza Wines Sousão
•Mazza Wines
Sandeman Vintage Port
•Sandeman
Sousao FAQ
Minho, Portugal
Sousao has a body level of 5 out of 5. Which means that Sousao is Full bodied.
Sousao has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Sousao is Semi-Dry.
Minho, Portugal
Sousao is grown in Portugal (Douro, Vinho Verde)Spain (Galicia)Australia (South Australia)South Africa (Western Cape)United States (California).
Sousão wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by dark chocolate and spicy nuances. The high acidity provides a refreshing balance to the rich fruit flavors, and earthy undertones add complexity. In fortified styles like Port, Sousão contributes to a sweet, luscious profile with concentrated dark fruit flavors.
Sousão's bold flavors and high acidity make it an excellent match for rich and hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and game. The wine's intense fruit profile complements dishes with berry sauces, while its tannic structure stands up to fatty cuts of meat. Additionally, Sousão pairs nicely with aged cheeses and charcuterie.
Sousão wines are characterized by their deep color and intense flavor profile. Common tasting notes include ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by dark chocolate and spicy nuances. The high acidity provides a refreshing balance to the rich fruit flavors, and earthy undertones add complexity. In fortified styles like Port, Sousão contributes to a sweet, luscious profile with concentrated dark fruit flavors.