About the wines

The Portuguese Wine Selection

Wine Selection Tasting Notes

Join Jenny on her wine journey to Portugal.

Glass at the ready, we’re off to the Iberian Peninsula!

Portugal is a winemaker’s playground with more than 250 indigenous and mostly unpronounceable grape varieties! Wines are typically field blends of more than one type of grape.  Blends are the “orchestras” of wine - everything working together in harmony.   Vineyards in Portugal span from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, planted on steep, terraced vineyards in the Douro to the rolling plains of the Alentejo, dotted with cork oak trees. Portugal has many hidden gems that need to be discovered.  Here are but just a few.  

DOURO

Cockburn’s Fine White Port

Region: Vinho Do Porto

Grapes: White blend from high altitude vineyards

Change your perception of Port!  Port isn’t just for the winter months.  Port Tonic is Porto’s number 1 aperitif.  Invented to refresh during the height of the Portuguese summer this zesty cocktail will be your go to drink over the summer months.  Made with white port, the tonic gives this drink a bitter twist.   Mix 1 part (50ml) white port with 2 parts tonic water over plenty of ice, a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. White port can also be served on its own over ice as an aperitif.  Goes very well with salted almonds and olives.

VINHO VERDE

Trevo Branco 2020

Region: Vinho Verde DOC

Grapes: Loureiro 40%, Trajadura 40%, Arinto 20%

There is no such thing as “green” wine.  Verde here refers to the leafy green region of the Minho that receives high annual rainfall.  Green does however refer to the youthful freshness of this style of wine.  Loureiro gives perfumed aromas whilst Arinto adds elegance and crisp acidity. Vinho Verde is great with seafood, grilled fish and summer salads and is dangerously easy to drink at 10.5% abv.  You have been warned!

ALENTEJO

Monte Da Ravasqueira Fonte Da Serrana Branco / White 2019

Region: Vinho Regional Alentejo

Grapes: Arinto 50%, Antão Vaz 50%

The inland region of the Alentejo borders Spain and has hot summers and low rainfall.  Its wine production is second to the cork industry where the landscape is dotted with cork oak trees that are stripped of their bark every 8 years approximately.  Vineyards are traditionally planted with low trained bush vines and the warm climate is perfect for ripening the grapes.  Arinto makes an elegant wine with notes of apple, lemon and mango and Antão Vaz gives structure.  Perfect with fish and rice dishes.

Monte Da Ravasqueira Fonte Da Serrana Tinto / Red 2019

Region: Vinho Regional Alentejo

Grapes: Aragonez 70%, Trincadeira 30%

Monte da Ravasqueira winery is an impressive white-washed wine estate hidden amongst a backdrop of cork oak trees in the sun kissed Alentejo.  The Serrana red is made from 70% Aragonez (also known as Tinta Roriz and Tempranillo in Spain) that gives aromas of red fruit, flowers and spices and 30% Trincadeira that gives hints of plum, coffee and chocolate.  Good volume, displaying an elegance and freshness style.  Great with chicken, rice dishes and BBQ

DÃO

Agenda Dão 2018

Region: Dão DOC

Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro

The inland region of Dão is sheltered by mountains on all sides and is ideal for red wine making. Touriga Nacional is key for its colour, aromas of violet and raspberries.  Partnered with Tinta Roriz (another name for Aragonez / Tempranillo) and Alfrocheiro for its acidity and berry fruit, this wine is soft and round with plum, black fruits and hints of spice and oak.  Fantastic with roast lamb.

DOURO

Portal D’Ouro 2018

Region: Douro DOC

Grapes: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca. 

From its source in Spain, the Duero becomes the Douro as it meanders its way over the Portuguese border.  Vertiginously steep terraced vineyards majestically stand over the river and vines fight to survive in the stony schist soil.  Made from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca,  3 of the 5 officially recommended grapes for Port wines, many producers are making interesting unfortified wines from these varieties.  Soft and round with plum, black fruits and hints of spice and oak this wine would be fantastic with roast lamb or beef.

Saúde!

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