The Beneficio System is used in the Douro region of Portugal to classify vineyards and establish the amount of Port wine that each winery can produce. Created in 1933 by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto, this system classifies vineyards on a scale of A to F, based on soil type, climatic conditions, and agricultural practices. It was first started to maximize the quantity of Port wine produced in high quality vineyards, since the ones that score A and B are allowed to produce a larger amount. This quota is revised every year in August after considering the characteristics of the grapes and market demand. The grapes that are not used for port can be used for the various dry wines that have made the Douro one of the most exciting wine regions at the moment.
Author: Maytte Rivera
