Dona Blanca

Dona Blanca is a white grape variety that is widely grown in Spain and Portugal. It is known for its high acidity and floral aromas, which make it a popular choice for making white wines. The grape is also used to produce fortified wines, such as sherry and port, as well as brandy and other spirits.

The Dona Blanca grape is believed to have originated in the Douro Valley in Portugal, but it is now grown in many other regions of the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, it is most commonly found in the regions of Galicia, Castilla y Leon, and Extremadura, while in Portugal it is grown in the Douro and Dão regions.

One of the most famous brands of Dona Blanca wine is the Valdeorras DO, which is produced in the Galicia region of Spain. This wine is known for its crisp acidity and citrus flavors, as well as its minerality and floral aromas. Other notable brands of Dona Blanca wine include the Ribeiro DO and Monterrei DO, both of which are also produced in Galicia.

In Portugal, Dona Blanca is often used to produce white port, which is a fortified wine that is made by adding brandy to the wine during fermentation. White port is typically sweeter than regular port and is often served as an aperitif or dessert wine. Some of the most famous brands of white port that use Dona Blanca grapes include Taylor’s, Graham’s, and Dow’s.

Dona Blanca is also used to produce brandy and other spirits. In Spain, it is often distilled into aguardiente, which is a type of brandy that is popular in Galicia and other regions. The grape is also used to produce other types of spirits, such as pacharán, which is a traditional liqueur that is made by macerating sloe berries in anise-flavored spirit.