Portugal is truly unique in the wine producing world, a land of contrasts where vines cling to an array of soils amid hundreds of diverse micro-climates. It’s the home of 250 indigenous wine grape varietals from 14 different wine regions. From the cool, refreshing whites of the northern Vinho Verde, known for its Alvarinho, to the hot, parched southern Alentejo, with its Alicante Bouschet, in between are some of the more recognizable wine regions, the Dão and Douro, known for Touriga Nacional, considered Portugal’s national grape. These contrasts make the cornucopia of Portuguese wines so fascinating, and their price points tag them as a best buy.
Momentum is gathering for the wines of Portugal, as quality rises, their value has increased, with almost half of all wines rated highly by many wine critics, and warmly embraced by many US wine lovers. Rediscovered by wine drinkers in recent years, what once was old school is now considered the “new” hot region, with excellent wines at great prices. Exceptional dry wines, red and white blends, in addition to sparkling and rosé, offer quality and value.
The Wines of Portugal came to Los Angeles in April 2022, reminding wine lovers what Portuguese wines are all about, in their “Discover a World of Difference” campaign, held at Casita in Hollywood. Kicking off the walk-around tasting, featuring more than 30 producers from across Portugal’s wine producing regions, an industry conversation, dubbed “Portuguese Wines and The American Consumer”, discussed current trends in wine and how Portugal can fill that niche. Eugénio Jardim, Wines of Portugal US Ambassador, and Sommelier/Wine Buyer Eduardo Bolaños and Taylor Grant, Sommelier and Wine Director at Scopa Italian Roots, talked about introducing consumers to the wonders of Portugal’s wines, food-friendly and so very different, yet with a common thread that makes them relatable to more international varietals.
Tasting through the producers at this trade tasting, the Wines of Portugal’s motto “Discover a World of Difference” was fitting. It seems that no matter what type of wine you like, Portugal is the complete picture, from sparkling wines to aged Ports, and all are geared to be food-friendly and well-balanced. Even though the red wines of Portugal are powerful, rich and concentrated, they are not alcoholic, coming in at a balanced 13.5% ABV, with great natural acidity, making them extremely food-friendly. And since joining the EU in 1986, Portugal has advanced their wine industry exponentially. The wines are becoming more sophisticated, with advances in technology and an emphasis on quality.
Needless to say, there wasn’t enough time to get to every producer, but I was impressed with their warmth and generosity, and the high quality, authentic and distinctive nature of the wines. Here are a few of my favorites:
Quinta do Paral (Alentejo)
Quinta do Paral Reserva Branco 2018, fascinating white blend, savory and saline
Quinta do Paral Colheita Seleccionado Branco 2018, aromatic and complex white blend
Quinta do Paral Vinhas Velhas Branco 2018, an old vines wine, excellent white blend
Quinta do Paral Colheita Seleccionada Tinto 2018, elegant red blend
Quinta do Paral Reserva Tinto 2017, rich and powerful red blend
Quinta do Paral Reserva Branco 2018, fascinating white blend, savory and saline
Quinta do Paral Colheita Seleccionado Branco 2018, aromatic and complex white blend
Quinta do Paral Vinhas Velhas Branco 2018, an old vines wine, excellent white blend
Quinta do Paral Colheita Seleccionada Tinto 2018, elegant red blend
Quinta do Paral Reserva Tinto 2017, rich and powerful red blend
Quinta dos Avidagos (Porto, Douro)
Quinta dos Avidagos Reserva Branco Arinto 2020, rich, spicy and smokey white
Quinta dos Avidagos Reserva 2019, aromatic, rich and complex, with dark fruit, juicy tannins
Quinta dos Avidagos Mesmotinto Alvarelhão 2020, delicious fruity red wine with light tannins
Quinta dos Avidagos Reserva Branco Arinto 2020, rich, spicy and smokey white
Quinta dos Avidagos Reserva 2019, aromatic, rich and complex, with dark fruit, juicy tannins
Quinta dos Avidagos Mesmotinto Alvarelhão 2020, delicious fruity red wine with light tannins
Casa Relvas (Alentejo)
Herdade São Miguel Escolha dos Enologos 2020, rustic, elegant blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
Herdade São Miguel Touriga Nacional 2019, elegant, powerful, and perfumed red
Herdade São Miguel Escolha dos Enologos 2020, rustic, elegant blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
Herdade São Miguel Touriga Nacional 2019, elegant, powerful, and perfumed red
Esporão (Alentejo, Douro, Vinho Verde)
Esporão Reserva Red 2019, full and mouthfilling red blend
Quinta dos Murças Reserva 2015, old vine red blend, dark fruit and spice
Esporão Reserva Red 2019, full and mouthfilling red blend
Quinta dos Murças Reserva 2015, old vine red blend, dark fruit and spice
Paço do Conde (Alentejo)
Herdade Paço do Conde Alicante Bouschet 2018, incredible single varietal red wine
Herdade Paço do Conde Tinto Reserva 2018, red blend
Herdade Paço do Conde Alicante Bouschet 2018, incredible single varietal red wine
Herdade Paço do Conde Tinto Reserva 2018, red blend
Quinta das Arcas (Vinho Verde, Alentejo, Douro)
Arca Nova Vinho Verde Rosé 2021, fresh and structured with a light fizz and Asian spice note, very good food wine
Monte Penedo Gordo Reserva Red 2017, complex and intense, ripe fruit and spice
Dona Cepa Red 2019, smooth and round, easy-drinking wine with fruit and soft tannins
Arca Nova Vinho Verde Rosé 2021, fresh and structured with a light fizz and Asian spice note, very good food wine
Monte Penedo Gordo Reserva Red 2017, complex and intense, ripe fruit and spice
Dona Cepa Red 2019, smooth and round, easy-drinking wine with fruit and soft tannins
Native winegrape varietals not seen anywhere else, a long history of winemaking, knowledge handed down from generation to generation, and incredible value are a few of the reasons that the wines of Portugal are so different. Portuguese wines spring from tradition, yet embrace modern influences, making them wine jewels waiting to be discovered.