Tejo approves lower wine ABVs in big move for the region
Portugal’s fifth largest wine region has amended its regulations to allow much lower ABVs. It means Tejo producers may now make wines with an alcohol content of 7.5%. Partially de-alcoholised wines have also been authorised.
As reported in db’s roundup of the top white wine trends in 2025, Portugal is leading from the front when it comes to quality, low-alcohol wines.
While many producers around the world only began seriously paying attention to the low and no alcohol category when consumer demand became deafening, Portugal has prioritised naturally low-alcohol expressions for decades. It may not always have been considered trendy or cool but the nation’s strategy is starting to pay off. Last year, sales of Leve Lisboa wines (light wines of no more than 10.5% ABV) shot up by 80%. Now the nation has further strengthened its hold on the no and low sector as its Tejo region has rubber-stamped the approval of even lower alcohol wines.
According to the official amendment, wines certified under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Tejo may now include wines with the new lower minimum alcohol content of 7.5% ABV for “Leve” (light) wines, down from the previous 9%. Additionally, the new rules mean that producers are now permitted to partially dealcoholise wines and still have them certified as PGI Tejo. These wines must have a minimum ABV of 0.5% ABV.
Luis de Castro, president of trade body CVR Tejo, says the changes will help position the region “at the forefront of the growing global demand for lower-alcohol and lighter wine options.”
In a nutshell
The revised alcohol thresholds are as follows:
Red and rosé wines: minimum 10.5% ABV
White wines: minimum 10.5% ABV
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IG Leve (light) red, rosé and white wines: now a minimum 7.5% ABV to a maximum 10.5% ABV (previously 9% -10.5% ABV).
Atlantic influence
According to de Castro, Tejo’s most compelling attribute is its diversity. Tejo’s 12,000 hectares of vineyards feature 25 different grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional and Arinto, farmed by multi-generation family estates, grower co-operatives, and a handful of big commercial companies. Much of Tejo’s suitability for producing low-alcohol wines is attributed to the cooling influence of the Atlantic, which helps grapes to reach maturity gradually, preventing excess sugar from building up, and allowing grapes to be harvested early, creating fresh wines with vibrant acidity.
“With a multitude of microclimates, indigenous and international grape varieties and characteristic terroirs, the winemakers in the region create a breadth of styles, which feature naturally occurring lower-alcohol wines,” de Castro says.
Perfect match
The regulatory changes seem to have been made with the UK market in mind with de Castro pointing out that for UK drinkers “demand for lighter styles of wine is moving from niche to mainstream.”
“We’re excited to now be able to offer a range of new wines for this category to the UK trade that will sit as easily on a restaurant wine list as on a retail shelf and will provide more opportunities for UK consumers to taste and enjoy our region’s wines.”
Formally approved by the Tejo General Council (CVR) and the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV), the amendments to the region’s regulations mean that Tejo is able to export a greater range of wines to the UK which is fast becoming a priority market.
Following suit
It’s only a matter of time before more Portuguese regions follow suit in lowering their permitted ABVs and widening their remit to include partially dealcoholised wines. Francisco Toscano Rico, president of Wines of Lisboa, told db last month that “we plan to start certifying partially dealcoholised wines, with alcohol levels between 5% and 7%, mainly aimed at Northern European markets.”
Wines of Lisboa is hoping to have the rule extension approved by the end of the year.
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