Napoleon has a lot to answer for and part of the reason that Portugal's wine industry (other than Port) has not taken off is that the great emperor introduced his inheritance laws to the country, meaning that properties fragmented as they were split between siblings on the parent's demise. Things are looking up, though and there are a few larger, privately run firms and some very good cooperatives springing up, making good, fresh table wines. Portugal is also home to two of the world's great fortified wine styles, Port and Madeira, both of which have long been favourites in the UK.
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