In recent years, wineries have succeeded in many top wines, which surprised even experts. This region is particularly suitable for foreign varieties, especially for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The region is divided into six separate quality wine regions: Almeirim, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Goruche, Santarém and Tomar. Dominant Grapes: Castelão Francês, Fernão Pires, Arinto The Ribatejo District is to the east and inland from the Estremadura district covering to the north of the municipality of Tomar and then down to the district of the Alentejo. Some good red wines can be found from this region due to its alluvial soil and temperate climate. The wines are tannic when young but after 5 years they become full-bodied and fruity with a slight spicy flavour. Almeirim (IPR) This area covers the municipalities of Almeirim, Alpiarça and some of Salvaterra de Magos. Like its neighbour Santarém this has lower and upper vineyards. The lower being the flood fertile plain of the River Tejo, the upper being well-drained sandy soil. The red wine tends to be smooth with good tannin content. The white wine is well-balanced with fruity aromas but best consumed early. Cartaxo (IPR) The area covers the municipalities of Azambuja and Cartaxo. The vineyards are planted in two different types of soil. The first is the flood plains of the River Tejo and the second a 200 meter high calcareous clay soil. The red wine from the lower vineyards is ruby-coloured, firm and fruity, whilst the higher vineyards produce a deeper colour, rich and smooth wine. The white from the lower part is pale and fruity, whilst the higher part produces a wine that is dry and smooth. Chamusca (IPR) This area covers the municipalities of both Chamusca and Golegã also providing two different soils. The alluvial earth of the flood plain and the stony soil of higher land. The red wine is garnet-coloured and well-balanced, soft and smooth. The white wine is fruity, soft and is also found to be well-balanced. Coruche (IPR) This area is the fertile flood plains of the River Tejo covering the municipality of Coruche, and part of Salvaterra de Magos and Benavente. The red wine is garnet-coloured, light and soft. The white wine is pale, light with fruity aromas. Santarém (IPR) Wines from this whole region have been well known since the 12th Century. The two towns in this area are Rio Maior and Santarém. The red wine is deep in colour, full-bodied and well balanced. The white wine is straw-coloured and palatable. Tomar (IPR The town of this area is steeped in history and in the 14th Century was the home of the Order of Knights Templar. The neighbouring town of Ferreira do Zêzere shares the same links with history and also is part of this wine area. The red wine is light in colour and body, with some acidity. The white wine has a slight green tinge and a fruity crisp flavour.