Portugal is not just about fortified wine, vinho verde and rosé in funny shaped bottles. More and more people are recognising the quality of the reds and whites from the Douro Valley, Dao and the more trendy area of Alentejo in the south. As a result, sales of Portuguese wines in Scotland are steadily on the increase.
The problem in the past lay with the unfamiliar indigenous grapes favoured by the winemakers. Traditionally we haven’t been great at ordering a bottle in a restaurant if we couldn’t pronounce the name or the grape variety. It’s much easier to go for the more familiar Chardonnay or Merlot. But, as we become more adventurous, a whole new world opens up before us. A world of Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, Carinhana, Fernao Pires and Bastardo. Ok, we could already pronounce the last one.
So, get adventurous and try one of these bottles this weekend.
Porta 6 Lisboa 2017 (Majestic, £6.99). This fruity wee red became Majestic’s best selling product after James Martin called it one of the nicest reds he’d tasted in ten years on his show. It’s very approachable and remarkably good value for money. Following the success of the 75cl bottle, Majestic also released a magnum (£14.99 for the 2015 vintage), a rosé (£6.74) and a Reserva (£9.99). The magnum is worth the extra money for the extra maturity, and it looks great on the dinner table. The rosé is simple, delicious and refreshing and the Reserva sees a bit more time in oak adding depth and complexity. All in all, it’s a lovely range.
Agenda Dao Manager’s Choice 2016 (Majestic, £7.99). This is soft and plummy and great with a leg of lamb. If your go-to wine is claret, try a bottle of this instead and you’ll save a few quid.
Kopke Douro Reserva Tinto 2015 (Inverarity One to One, £17.49). Kopke is Portugal’s oldest port house, and their table wines are really worth seeking out. The Reserva is rich and spicy and incredibly smooth. Try a bottle with venison, and I challenge you to leave a glass for the cheese. Cheers!
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