One of the most overlooked Old-World countries within the wide world of wine is Portugal, a country with a rich history of wine and a wide variety of delicious offerings. From crisp and refreshing white wines to full-bodied and vibrant red wines, there’s a bottle for every palate in the realm of Portuguese wines.
Portugal’s long history of winemaking dates back to the ancient Romans, with many sources claiming that the Phoenicians and Celts also played an integral role in bringing grape growing vines to the region. At present, Portugal is home to over 250 different indigenous grape varieties, each with their own unique characteristics which are indicative of the regions they are grown in.
Lisboa is one the most famous regions and is located in central Portugal, it’s widely respected for producing fantastic red, white and rose wines. The Lisboa wine region is characterised by its rolling hills and its close proximity to the Atlantic coast, which provides a unique, cool, maritime climate in which the vines grow. Some of the most common grape varieties planted in the Lisboa wine region include Touriga Nacional, Castelao, and Aragonez, which are used to create full-bodied, beautiful red wines. The white wines produced in this region are derived from grape varieties such as Fernao Pires and Arinto, and are well-known for their crisp and refreshing characteristics. The Lisboa wine region is a rising star in the world of quality wine, with its unique terroir and winemaking traditions producing high-quality wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts across the globe. Check out these two incredible wines from the Lisboa region:
A Portuguese blend of four red varieties, this is ripe and warm with juicy flavours and is amazingly food friendly. It's usually almost impossible to find this much character and pizazz in a wine at this price but this red is truly the real deal.
Azoi from Lisboa is such a blend; a healthy splash of the Tinta Roriz is backed up French varietals Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon and the result is wonderful. A ripe and silky smooth red with an enticing flavour profile of blackcurrant, red cherry, raspberry and a hint of leather and tobacco.
Another major wine producing region in Portugal is the Vinho Verde wine region, which is found in the northwest of Portugal. Vinho Verde literally means 'green wine', and is named after its green landscape and its wine style, which is meant to be consumed young. The most commonly planted grape varieties in the Vinho Verde region include Azal, Alvarinho, and Loureiro, all of which produce crisp and aromatic white wines. The rosé wine made from the Vinho Verde region are typically light and fruity, while the red wines are lighter-bodied. Vinho Verde is also lesser-known for its sparkling wines, which are made using traditional methods. The Vinho Verde region is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and offers a unique experience for those seeking to taste the authentic wines of Portugal. Here are two wines from the Vinho Verde region bursting full of flavour:
It has the fresh, breezy, lemony charm of Vinho Verde in northern Portugal and elements of the tangy, tropical flavours of Albariño, from over the border and up the Spanish coast in Rías Baixas. However, this wine has a lower price than the average rate for Vinho Verde and Albariño - it's win win, basically.
Tordo Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2021
From the Vinho Verde country, this Tordo Alvarinho is a new style of Alvarinho. It's a lovely, rich example of this grape variety, and boasts hints of stone fruit aromas, fresh apple and tropical-fruit flavours. It offers refreshing acidity and roundly fruited palate with a long and plentiful finish.
There is a perfect wine for every occasion from Portugal, and it's worth exploring what the country has to offer. If you're looking to expand your wine horizons, consider giving Portuguese wine a try. You won't be disappointed. So, whether you’re a beginner, or a fully-fledged wine connoisseur, Portuguese wine is a diverse and delicious category that can conjure up an offering for everyone. From the classic, oak-aged wines of Lisboa, to the modern, fruity wines of Vinho Verde, Portuguese wine thoroughly deserves its spot on the world stage and there is an abundance of beauty and tradition waiting to be explored. So, take a step into Portuguese wine, you might just be surprised. The Oddbins Portuguese wine range is certain to serve up something to complement your choices perfectly. Not sure which would best suit your palate or meal? Contact our helpful team for advice via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for all the help you need.
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