Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The terrain around the Douro is dominated by sedimentary rocks that have been bur-
ied, heated, and deformed into a metamorphic rock called schist (xisto) . Thanks to geolo-
gical processes, the easily fractured layers of schist are tilted beneath the soil at an angle,
allowing winter rainfall to easily penetrate the earth and build up in underground reserves.
The grapevines' roots plunge deep into the ground—up to 30 feet—in order to reach this
water through the long, dry summer.
Rabelo Boats
Up until the 1970s, when the Douro was tamed by dams, boats called rabelos nav-
igated the treacherous waters, carrying port from the hillsides to the cellars of Porto.
It was a three-day trip to cover the 50-100 miles. A crew of four loaded the barrels
onto the 20-foot boats. For the downstream trip, the captain stood on a platform to
spy rocks and shallows ahead, using the long rudder to guide the flat-bottomed boat
through whitewater and hairpin turns. It was dangerous work, and the river was once
lined with shrines where superstitious sailors prayed.
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