Ramisco

Ramisco is a red wine grape variety native to Portugal, most closely associated with the Colares wine region near Sintra in the Lisbon area. It is the dominant variety used in red Colares wines and is often produced as a monovarietal, though it may appear in blends with other local grapes in some blends labeled under Colares.

Viticulture and characteristics of the variety include late ripening and thick skins, with yields typically kept low to moderate. The Atlantic-influenced climate and sandy soils of Colares help retain acidity and contribute to the grape’s distinctive profile. Ramisco wines are known for their aging potential, developing more complex, earthy and mineral notes with time.

In winemaking terms, Ramisco red wines tend to emphasize structure and freshness, with pronounced tannins and high acidity that help the wine age for decades. The color of young Ramisco reds can be relatively pale for a red variety, and the wines often show evolving hues as they mature. Traditional Colares winemaking practices, including open fermentation and aging in wooden vessels or stainless steel, are still used by some producers, reflecting the region’s historical methods.

Regionally, Ramisco is primarily grown in Colares, a small DO/DOC area on the Atlantic coast west of Lisbon. The grape’s cultivation there has become a symbol of the region’s historic wine heritage and its ability to produce distinctive, age-worthy red wines under challenging maritime conditions. Synonyms for the grape include Ramisco Negro.