French, Italian and Spanish are arguably the most famous of European wines, while South American, Australian and New Zealand often get the glory further afield.
But as British tastes become more adventurous, we’re tiring of the same old tipples we’ve tried and trusted up until now. Folks are ready to give palates something new, surprising and different.
Step forward Portuguese wine, often overshadowed by neighbouring Spain, despite having much more to offer than fortified port wine.
Portugal is home to 55 wine regions with almost 200 indigenous grape varieties. The most well-known of these regions are Douro, best known for port and dry table wines that use the same red grapes, Minho, which lays claim to vinho verde, Portugal’s most iconic white, and Dão, producing mostly red wines alongside whites made from the Encruzado grape. Other regions include Alentejo, the largest wine-making area in the southeast, and Madeira, Setubal, Bairrada and the Algarve (which needs no introduction).
Interestingly, most wines in Portugal use only indigenous grapes, their producers long refusing to plant international varieties, making those native to the country distinctively different to those you’re most familiar with, characterised by full-bodied, fruit-filled flavour. Indeed: they certainly stand out in sea of sameness.
The best bit? Because Portuguese wine is lesser-known than its more popular counterparts, you can often bag a bargain for a snip of a price, making their bottles some of the best value for money you can buy.
What are the different wine regions in Portugal?
Portugal is split into 14 wine regions, each one abiding by its own set of guidelines. The Douro, the most famed of these regions, is known for its port production.
To the south, surrounded by pine-filled forests and towering mountains, you’ll find Dão. The area’s high altitude and complex soils have made this region an emerging favourite for wine-buffs in the know.
For crisp, spritzy whites, keep an eye out for bottles from Vinho Verde. If you favour robust reds, Bairrada’s offerings may be more your speed.
Lisboa, a coastal region that stretches far beyond the capital, takes the spot for the country’s largest wine producers, with fresh aromatic wine a result of the Atlantic’s ocean breeze.
How does Portuguese wine compare to other countries' wine?
Much like people, wine is complex; a layered reflection of their environment. Home to over 250 indigenous grape varieties, many of which can not be found anywhere else on the planet, Portuguese wines offer a distinctive flavour.
The notable reluctance to incorporate international grape varieties within the country’s wine production means Portugal’s bottles sit in a category all their own.
The environment, enriched soil and strong, Atlantic winds all have a marked effect on the final product. From white wines, expect a prominent acidity than you’d typically find in French or Italian vino, making them exceedingly refreshing and a perfect pairing with a light meal. Meanwhile, reds boast a deeper intensity, with rich, fragrant, fruity notes. Portuguese wines are widely revered for their balanced flavour profiles across reds and whites.
Russell Dent, course director and wine educator at WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), explains: “Often overlooked by the more recognisable wines and regions, Portugal boasts an incredible range of styles, suited to all palates. It’s often associated with two wines sitting at the opposite ends of the stylistic scale; port – the fortified, sweet and rich wine (most often associated with Christmas festivities); and a light, semi-dry easy-drinking rosé (Mateus will be familiar to many).”
He adds: “However, there’s always something new to discover in a country capable of creating all wine styles. The combined sense of respecting traditions and exploring new methods makes Portugal an exciting place for a wine-lover.”
Here, we take your tastebuds on a trip through the Douro Valley and beyond to find a vinho that tickles your pickles.
Shop the best Portuguese wine below
Symington Family Estates Altano Organic Douro Rosé 2021
Think Provence produces the only pink worth sinking? Think again. This rosé, made by the Symington Family Estate in the Douro Valley – an UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less – is made from organically-farmed grapes that deliver fresh aromas of jasmine and lychee, vivid fruit flavours with hints of rhubarb and gooseberry, and a seriously elegant texture. Simply sublime.
Buy now £15.00, Harvey Nichols
Cuba Azul Alvarinho 2022
Made from its namesake grape, this Alvarinho is a rich and complex white with tropical-fruit notes of peach and citrus overlaid with hints of floral blossom, plus refreshing minerality on the palate. A brilliant buy in a striking blue bottle from the small town of Mogege in the Vinho Verde region.
Buy now £10.00, Morrisons
Altano Rewilding Edition Douro Red
With every bottle of this red contributing to the financial support of Rewilding Portugal – a large-scale conservation initiative on a 120,000-hectare wildlife corridor in the greater Côa Valley – this is a serve with a conscience. Wine-wise, it’s a classic Douro blend, sourced from high-altitude vineyards to produce a fresh, elegant and fruit-driven profile. Another corker from the Symington Family Estate.
Buy now £10.50, Tesco
Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde Rosé
Part of the curated collection of premium wines at Morrisons, handpicked by their team of expert wine buyers, this vinho verde rosé from Casal de Ventozela features an Espadeiro grape known for its snappy red-fruit profile with a slight fizz for a summery twang. Expect cranberries, redcurrants and raspberries on the palate. Perfect with a sharing board groaning under the weight of meats and cheeses as an aperitif.
Buy now £7.00, Morrisons
Porta 6 Sparkling Brut
A refreshing alternative to Prosecco, this sparkling wine from Portugal serves up peach and pear aromas with notes of citrus and spices, plus an intense and peachy palate. Chardonnay, Arinto de Bucelas and Fernão Pires grapes combine for an easy-drinking fizz that’s dry and light-bodied. Team with tapas for best results.
Buy now £5.50, Asda
Quinta de Saes Reserva
While wines made in the Douro are usually sublime, those who think outside of the box will be rewarded in spades with Quinta de Saes Reserva, made slightly further south in the neighbouring Dão. It’s full-bodied and intense with dark-fruit flavours and notes of black cherries, liquorice and pencil shavings (yes, really). Gorgeous.
Buy now £28.99, Selfridges
Monte de Peceguina Tinto
An elegant red from the Alentejo region that’s weighty and vibrant with red fruits and subtle tannins that make for seriously easy drinking. It’s fruity and floral on the nose, and round and juicy on the palate, with an incredibly long finish. Lipsmackingly good.
Buy now £27.99, Selfridges
Beefsteak Club Douro DOC The Beast Dark Red
From the deepest, darkest depths of the Douro is this decadent red with ripe, forest-fruit flavours and a long, velvety-smooth finish. Its black-and-red bottle certainly delivers stand-out on the shelves, while the wine itself is blended from Touriga Franca, Tempranillo, Tinto Cão and Touriga Nacional grapes, making for a powerful and aromatic wine. A monster that certainly lives up to its name.
Buy now £8.50, Asda
Asda Extra Special Douro
Rich and full-bodied, this Douro is dominated by ripe fruits, blackberries, prunes and cassis, with spicy aromas from the oak barrels in which it’s aged. Well-balanced acidity rounds off a bargainous bottle.
Buy now £7.00, Asda
M&S Lisboa Bonita
Rich and complex, this bottle of red is made from a blend of grape varieties local to Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, the fresh sea breeze keeping the windmills turning and the vineyards cool despite its hot, southerly location. The result is a wine full of ripe berries, vanilla and bergamot that’s distinctly oaky thanks to six months of ageing in French and American barrels. A beautiful new label is the cherry on top.
Buy now £8.00, Ocado
Sainsbury’s Portuguese Alvarinho
Crisp, zingy and fresh, this Alvarinho from the Taste the Difference range at Sainsbury’s – their premium label – perfectly characterises the white wines from the northwestern corner of Portugal. Delicate, floral and citrus notes deliver a delicately aromatic bottle.
Buy now £9.50, Sainsbury’s
Tesco Finest Douro
Aromas of red and black fruits, plus spices, tempt you to taste this powerful but elegant red made from the indigenous grapes of the Douro Valley. For just over £10, you get a well-balanced palate and a long, concentrated finish, both of which make for a perfect pairing with roast lamb.
Buy now £11.00, Tesco
Quinta Da Pedra Alta Tinto Reserva 2019
Concentrated, rich and complex, the Quinta da Pedra Alta Tinto Reserve is a signature Douro red boasting aromas of red, blue and black fruits with spicy notes and a fruit-laden palate. Balanced acidity rounds off a brilliant bottle.
Buy now £28.95, Cellar Door Wines
Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde 2021
Bright, light and citrusy, Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde boasts a complex aroma with notes of fresh tropical fruits, while the palate is fruity with invigorating acidity. A beautifully-balanced bottle from the Azevedo Estate.
Buy now £9.75, Ocado
2017 DuoRosa Tinto, Quinta De La Rosa, Douro, Portugal
Pure, intense fruit is balanced by structure that stops this full-bodied red from the tiny but mighty Quinta de la Rosa estate veering into sickly-sweet territory. Unoaked and dry, it’s another summer stunner.
Buy now £17.95, Amazon
With additional reporting by Maya Glantz
