Beira
Beira is a region located in the northern half of Portugal. The region is relatively large, like all Portuguese regions, and extends from the Atlantic coast to the border with Spain. The region includes several DOC titles, including Bairrada, Beira Interior and the famous Dão. The terroir is very varied in the Beira region, which touches both sides of Portugal and includes coasts, rivers, valleys, lakes, plateaus and low mountains. The same goes for the climate: although strongly influenced by the Atlantic in the maritime west, the resemblance to the hot and dry continental climate of central Spain is present in the east.
The sub-region: Bairrada
Bairrada is a DOC from the Beira region, in the north-central area of Portugal. It is known for its production of rich and colorful red wines, made from the Baga, Castelão and Rufete grape varieties, although it has not yet reached the level of notoriety of its inland neighbor, Dão. Bairrada is located in the western, coastal half of Beira, and enjoys a moderate climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of geological profile, the majority of Bairrada vineyards have clay-limestone soils (barro is the Portuguese term for "clay"). This terroir extends east into the Dao wine region, home to some of Portugal's most prized vineyards.