· F Pato Vinhos "Ungrafted vines planted on sandy soil. Lovely (white) peppery and dusty nose with

LISBOA

PENÍNSULADE SETÚBAL

TEJO

VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA

9 DOC Encostas de Aire10 DOC Óbidos

11 DOC Alenquer12 DOC Arruda

13 DOC Torres Vedras14 DOC Lourinhã

15 DOC Bucelas16 DOC Carcavelos

17 DOC Colares

19 DOC Setúbal20 DOC Palmela

VINHO REGIONALPENÍNSULA DE SETÚBAL

22 DOC Lagos23 DOC Portimão24 DOC Lagoa25 DOC Tavira

ALGARVE

VINHO REGIONALALENTEJANO

VINHO REGIONALALGARVE

21 DOC Alentejo

VINHO REGIONAL TRANSMONTANO

2 DOC Trás-os-Montes

3 DOC Douro/Porto

4 DOC Távora - Varosa

VINHO REGIONAL DURIENSE

VINHO REGIONAL TERRAS DE CISTER

VINHO REGIONALTERRAS DA BEIRA

8 DOC Beira InteriorBEIRA INTERIOR

ALENTEJO

VINHO REGIONALTERRAS DO DÃO

5 DOC Lafões6 DOC Dão

VINHOVERDE

BAIRRADA

DÃO ELAFÕES

PORTOE DOURO

TÁVORA E VAROSA

TRÁS-OS-MONTES

VINHO REGIONAL DO MINHO

1 DOC Vinho Verde

VINHO REGIONALBEIRA ATLÂNTICO

7 DOC Bairrada

VINHO REGIONALTEJO

18 DOC Tejo

2

2

33

8

8

67

18

19

22 23

24

25

20

9

1014

13 1112

151716 21

21

21

21

5

2

4

1

26 DOC MadeiraVINHO REGIONAL

TERRAS MADEIRENSES

MADEIRA

26

27 DOC Graciosa28 DOC Biscoitos

29 DOC PicoVINHO REGIONAL

AÇORES

AÇORES

2929

28

27

250GRAPE

VARIETIES

EUROPA

© D

uart

e B

elo

Geographical Indications& DOC’s

I hope you enjoy this tasting and that it encourages you to seek out the most Portuguese of Portuguese wines.

This selection is above all else a very personal one. These are my top 50 Portuguese wines from around 1,200 different wines I tasted between October 2011 and April 2012, mostly in Portugal but also in London. Some wines I tasted twice, occasionally three times. My one main condition was that they had to be made exclusively from Portuguese grape varieties, with the honourable exceptions of Tinta Roriz (Spain’s Tempranillo) and the French variety Alicante Bouschet, which seems to make better wine in Portugal than in France. They had to be well made and fulfil wine’s first duty to the wine drinker: to give pleasure.

I was particularly keen to include as many white wines as possible – many people think of Portugal as a red-wine stronghold but I love the distinctive characteristics and freshness and texture of her white wines. Among both reds and whites, I was looking for wines that could come from nowhere else but Portugal. Wines that expressed through these indigenous varieties the land, the climate and the people.

Of course there are many wines I did not taste but I never refused to consider a wine as long as it did not include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier or other varieties that have colonised the wine world. I have nothing against them but they are everywhere. My 50 wines tell another story – in some cases, the rediscovery of varieties that had almost disappeared or were not highly valued; in others, the good sense and wonderful synergy of traditional field blends.

There are also many other wines I would have liked to include and I’d like to thank all those producers who offered up their wines for me to taste but whose wines are not in this selection.

Putting the wines into a sensible tasting order was particularly difficult, especially as I have never tasted all 50 wines in the same sitting. So I apologise if any one wine is put at a disadvantage by the one that precedes it. Along with my tasting notes, I’ve given suggested drinking dates but in many cases these are on the conservative side, presuming that most people like to drink their wine when the fruit is still to the fore. However, one thing I have learned over the last few years is that many Portuguese wines have an amazing ability to age spectacularly well, so many of these wines will still be giving pleasure long after this booklet has been recycled. Some of these wines are really too young to be drunk now but that, too, is a matter of personal preference.

You can taste the wines in any order. I like to taste reds first, when my palate is raring to go, then to be refreshed by the whites when the tannins have taken their toll. Last but not least, I’m delighted to include several sweet and fortified wines – underappreciated and usually underpriced.

"A blend of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional grown on clay over schistwith some quartz. Dark damson colour. Slightly reductive at the time of tasting.Lively mineral dark fruit. Relatively light bodied, fresh and pure. Fine, silky fruittannins and such a nice change not to have oak! Has a real continental feel to it - drybut fluid and fresh, not too sweet. Good value." 13.7% Drink 2011-16

Notes:

1

Region: Trás-os-MontesProduction: 30,000Winemaker: Rui CunhaRRP: £7.75

Address: Casal de Valle Pradinhos, Valle Pradinhos,5340-422 Macedo de CavaleirosContact: João Tamagnini BeloEmail: [email protected] +912 286 797Website: www.vallepradinhos.pt

UK Importer: The Wine SocietyAddress: Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage , Herts, SG1 2BTEmail: [email protected]

Valle Pradinhos, Porta Velha, 2009Valle Pradinhos

"Mid crimson. Lively, herbal - almost medicinal - nose, a little floral, more red fruitthan black, perfumed. Mouthwatering throughout, silky fresh tannins. Really tangycherry fruit on the finish with a light spiciness. A good example of this variety, whichis very often blended." 13.5% Drink 2010-14

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional TejoWinemaker: Diogo Campilho and Pedro Pinhao

Address: Quinta Da Lagoalva De Cima, 2090-222 AlpiarcaContact: Diogo CampilhoEmail: [email protected] +243 559 070Website: www.lagoalva.pt

UK Importer: Clark Foyster WinesAddress: 15 South Ealing Road, London, W5 4QTEmail: [email protected]

Quinta Lagoalva de Cima, GrandeEscolha Alfrocheiro, 2008SOC. Agrícola Quinta Da Lagoalva De Cima SA

2

"Vines are around 10 years old but this is the first time they have produced a varietalwine. Lightish cherry colour. Highly perfumed - sour cherry and a touch leafy,peppery. High acid and scented on the palate. Tanins a little rustic yet has lovelyfreshness even with a touch of residual sugar. Tangy and distinctive." 13.3% Drink2012-14

Notes:

3

Region: BairradaWinemaker: Carlos Campolargo and Raquel Carvalho

Address: Malaposta, 3780-294 AnadiaContact: Carlos CampolargoEmail: [email protected] +231 519 000Website: www.campolargovinhos.com

UK Importer: Seeking UK representation

Campolargo, Alvarelhão, 2011Campolargo

"95% Rufete, 5% Siria. 60-year-old vines. Two years in stainless steel. No oak. Mid,bright crimson, looks youthful. Distinctive, non-international aroma. Delicate wildberry fruit and garrigue. High acidity, lightish body but lingers long. Great ageingpotential even with this lightness - the classic concentration yet lightness of oldvines. Easy to overlook. Paper-fine tannins. Very elegant." 13% Drink 2011-18

Notes:

Region: Beira InteriorWinemaker: Luís Schepers Roboredo

Address: Quinta dos Barreiros, Mêda, 6430 - 051 Coriscada,Portugal, Rua do Molhe, nr.488, 4150 - 500 Porto, PortugalContact: Luís Schepers RoboredoEmail: [email protected] +919 110 502Website: www.gravatoqb.pt


Quinta dos Barreiros, Gravato VinhasVelhas, 2008Luís Duarte Albuquerque Roboredo e Castro

4

"Chalky subsoil with some stony clay. Strong Atlantic influence. Fermented in openoak casks with 20% stems, aged in 500-litre French oak (Portuguese cooperage),30% new. Bottled early May 2011. Deep cherry red. Lovely pure Baga aromas of redfruit, wild scrubland and a light perfume, overlaid with a rocky, mineral character -very elegant. Rich in fruit with just a light influence of oak. Well structured as muchby freshness as by tannin. Very young, deep, lively and bright but much more tocome if you can wait. Real purity and excellent length. Sweet-fruited, juicy, longfinish." Drink 2012-18

Notes:

5

Region: BairradaProduction: 2,500Winemaker: Filipa Pato

Address: Rua da Quinta Nova, Ribeiro da Gandara, 3780-017,Amoreira da GandaraEmail: [email protected] +961 736 945Website: www.filipapato.net

UK Importer: Clark Foyster WinesAddress: 15 South Ealing Road , London, W5 4QTEmail: [email protected]

Filipa Pato, Nossa Calcário Tinto, 2010F Pato Vinhos

"Ungrafted vines planted on sandy soil. Lovely (white) peppery and dusty nose withintense but introverted red-fruit aromas - the raspberry and graphite character ofLoire Cab Franc but without the leafiness. Going back to it, there's also a slight butdefinite minty character. Bright and lively and so fresh with a firm tannic structure -though the tannins are super-fine – that is a perfect fit with the depth of fresh,vibrant fruit giving excellent balance even now. Becomes more fragrant in the glass.Minerally chew on the finish. Tight and energetic." 12% Drink 2013-23

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional BeirasProduction: 1,050 (0,75L), 100 (1,5L), 50 (3L)Winemaker: Luis PatoRRP: £80

Address: Rua de Santo André, 39, 3780-502 Óis do BairroContact: Luis PatoEmail: [email protected] +231 596 432Website: www.luispato.com

UK Importer: Raymond ReynoldsAddress: Calico Lane, Furness Vale, High Peak, SK23 7SWEmail: [email protected]

Luis Pato, Quinta da RibeirinhoPé Franco, 2011Luis Pato

6

"Old-vine Baga. Fermented in lagares and cement and inox. Aged in 4,000-litrePortuguese oak. Deep, clear garnet. Sweet fragrant undergrowth. Silky tension.Utterly fresh and so bright even though it has the beginnings of complexity of age.Small dark berry fruit, a little darker than the Reserva in fruit character. A firmer gripbut still smooth and silky. Very very long. Not a wine for neophytes. This is the lastvintage because all the old Baga vines have been replaced by Merlot. What a tragedy."14.5% Drink 2011-30

Notes:

7

Region: BairradaProduction: 7,000Winemaker: Paulo Sousa

Address: R. Passadiço nº 302 3780-128 Sangalhos - PortugalContact: Paulo SousaEmail: [email protected] +347 46 121


Dulcineia dos Santos Ferreira, Sidóniode Sousa Garrafeira, 2005Dulcineia dos Santos Ferreira (Vinhos Sidonio de Sousa)

"50% Touriga Nacional, 15% Alfrocheiro, 20% Tinta Roriz, 15% Jaen. Neck labelproudly states they use no oak. Very dark like elderberry juice. Rich and intense butnot in the least showy. Pure fruit and minerality in a restrained yet compact style."14% Drink 2011-16

Notes:

Region: DãoWinemaker: Vines & Wines - Miguel OliveiraRRP: £10

Address: Vodra, 6270-554 Seia, PortugalContact: Miguel Marques Da SilvaEmail: [email protected] +916 993 120Website: www.quintadoescudial.com


Quinta do Escudial, Vinhas Velhas,2007Quinta do Escudial - Vinhos, LDA

8

"They bought this Quinta in 1997 so it is not part of the original family vineyard. Darkcrimson. Nice combination of peppery red fruit and lightly herbal. Wild, red-fruitfreshness. Lively, energetic. Fine tannins, still present. Finishes fresh and lively andlingers. Pretty but not simple. The flower on the label is Scottish broom, typical of theestate." 13.5% Drink 2012-16

Notes:

9

Region: DãoProduction: 5,000Winemaker: Rui Reguinga and João SantiagoRRP: £22

Address: Rua Direita 12, Abrunhosa Do Mato, 3530-050Cunha BaixaContact: Luis LourençoEmail: [email protected] +219 249 373Website: www.quintamaias.pt (coming soon)

UK Importer: Raymond Reynolds LtdAddress: Calico Lane, Furness Vale, High Peak, SK23 7SWEmail: [email protected]

Quinta das Maias Jaen, 2008S. A. Faldas da Serra - Quinta das Maias

"Field blend of many varieties – mainly Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Jaen – ongranitic soils. Deep cherry crimson. Fresh, small-berried red fruits - redcurrant andcranberry - and then a light peppery overlay. Gently fragrant. Lots of sweet spice onthe palate, dense but silky tannins and a fine freshness to finish. Harmonious whole.Concentrated but elegant too. Has a delicacy that the Reserva lacks." 13.5% Drink2011-16

Notes:

Region: DãoProduction: 10,000Winemaker: Paulo José Pereira Nunes

Address: Rua De Santos Amaro No 3, Passarela,6290-093 LagarinhosContact: Paulo José Pereira NunesEmail: [email protected] +238 486 312Website: www.oabrigodapassarela.pt

Casa da Passarela, Vinhas Velhas, 2008O Abrigo da Passarela LDA

10

"50% Touriga Nacional, 25% Tinta Roriz, 15% Alfrocheiro, 10% Jaen. Vinified ingranite lagares. 12 months in French oak. Deep blackish crimson. Dark, more savouryand mineral than the very perfumed varietal Touriga Nacional but still has fragrantfruit. Oak more evident than on the Touriga Nacional, savoury oak char currentlydominates the finish and needs some time to mellow and allow the wine to shine.Dense but fine tannins. Firm grip, dry finish." 13.5% Drink 2014-20

Notes:

11

Region: DãoProduction: 20,000Winemaker: Julia Kemper and Vines & WinesRRP: £19.99

Address: Quinta do Cruzeiro, Oliveira, 3530-239 MangualdeContact: Júlia de Melo KemperEmail: [email protected] +934 457 707Website: www.http://juliakemper.blogspot.pt/

UK Importer: Alliance Wine LimitedAddress: 7 Beechfield Road, Willowyard Estate, Beith,Ayrshire, KA15 1LNEmail: [email protected]

Julia Kemper, Tinto, 2009Julia Kemper Wines

"Produced in some vintages only. A dark, relatively hidden, enticing beauty. Sweetlyfragrant on the nose. Slightly balsamic and a touch of citrus, even eucalyptus. Spicy,too. Generous, dense, quite oaky even now but velvet-smooth and with thefreshness of their blend. Seductive and carressing though the tannins are firm aswell as fine. Great concentration without excessive perfume. Much more to come andfinishes fresh even with all the perfectly ripe fruit." 14.5% Drink 2012-18

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoProduction: 4,700Winemaker: Eng.º Luis Louro

Address: Quinta do Mouro, 7100-056 Estremoz, PortugalContact: Eng.º Luis LouroEmail: [email protected] +268 334 097Website: www.quintadomouro.com

UK Importer: Raymond Reynolds LtdAddress: Calico Lane, Furness Vale, Essex, RM18 7EHEmail: [email protected]

Quinta do Mouro, Touriga Nacional,2006Miguel António de Orduña Viegas Louro

12

"Vines were planted – on schist – in the 1980s, before the variety was officiallyauthorised in the region. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Black core, lightaroma. Rich, warm and spicy and then fluid and fresh on the palate. Very fine tanninsand long finish. Aromatic but not OTT, even some red fruit and sweet blueberry butalso a tad smoky. Fluid, fresh and silky. Juicy freshness and quite different in stylefrom Douro Tourigas. Elegant and finishes lightheartedly." 14.5 Drink 2012-18

Notes:

13

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoWinemaker: David BaverstockRRP: £26.75

Address: Avenida do Restelo, 44, C.P 1400-315, LisbonContact: Nicolas GiannoneEmail: [email protected] +213 031 540Website: www.esporao.com

UK Importer: Charles Hawkins & PartnersAddress: The Offices, Glaston Road, Uppingham, Rutland,LE15 9EUEmail: [email protected]

Esporão, TN Touriga Nacional, 2008Esporão

"Field blend of 30-year-old vines, mostly Trincadeira, Aragonez and AlicanteBouschet. 18 months in new French oak, which shows more now than when I tastedthis as a barrel sample in October 2011. Dry, savoury, dark fruit. Sweet chocolatey oakflavours, really dense fruit underneath. Very smooth and very long, needing time forthe oak dominance to fade and allow the fruit out more. But it has that lovelyeffortless concentration and harmony of an old vine blend - density, freshness andpolished tannins. Very moreish." 14.5% Drink 2014-20

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoProduction: Varies: only produced in the best yearsWinemaker: Rui ReguingaRRP: £20 - 25

Address: UK office: The Barn at the Rookery, Ashford-in-the-Water, Nr Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1QQContact: Richard MaysonEmail: [email protected] +44 (0)1629 810444Website: www.sonholusitano.pt

UK Importer: Richards WalfordAddress: Hales Lodge, Pickworth, Stamford, Lincs , PE9 4DJEmail: [email protected]

Sonho Lusitano, Pedra e Alma, 2009Sonho Lusitano Vinhos Lda.

14

"Horribly heavy bottle but a beautiful cork. Field blend of Touriga Franca, TintaAmarela, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cão, etc. Vines aged 60–100+ years.50% stems retained. Aged four years in 2000-litre wooden vats. Mid ruby, lightercolour than most Douro reds. Refined aromas of red fruits and a touch of spice with astrong mineral element. Not giving much away but very inviting. Firm, silky tanninsand a lovely dry finish with freshness and length. Deliciously free from oak overlay.A wine that dares to be different, and succeeds. I love its slighly austere pepperinessand complete lack of excess sweetness. I may have been too conservative with thedrink dates." 13.5% Drink 2012-22

Notes:

15

Region: DouroWinemaker: Dirk Niepoort and Luis SeabraRRP: £80

Address: Rua Cândido do Reis, 670, 4400-071Vila Nova de Gaia, PortugalContact: Verena NiepoortEmail: [email protected] + 223 777 777Website: www.niepoort-vinhos.com


Niepoort, Robustus, 2007Niepoort Vinhos S.A

"From organically farmed vineyards in the Douro Superior, planted late 70s and early80s. Coolish ferment. 10 months in 400-litre French oak, which is probably why theoak influence is subtle. Gorgeous ripe fruit on the nose, fully ripe but no raisining oroverripeness so that it also has that great savoury Douro edge. Then surprisingly dryand almost dusty on the palate, but fresh and lingering. Powder-fine, dry tannins.Sophisticated, not obvious, easy to underestimate. Leaves the mouth feeling fresh. Amodel of moderation, just as their technical sheet is a model of great informationwithout hype." 14% Drink 2012-18

Notes:

Region: DouroProduction: 3,177 CasesWinemaker: Charles Symington & Pedro Correia

Address: Travessa Barão de Forrester, 86, Apartado 26,4431-901 Vila Nova de Gaia, PortugalEmail: [email protected] +223 776 300Website: www.symington.com

UK Importer: John E FellsAddress: Prince Edward Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire,HP4 3EZEmail: [email protected]

Altano Quinta do Ataíde ReservaTouriga Nacional, 2008Symington Family Estates

16

"20 months in new French barriques. Deep black cherry colour. A touch of smokyreduction. Wonderfully aromatic Touriga Nacional. Sweet dark cherries, more redfruit than black, a touch floral on the mid palate. Really quite a different style fromtypical Douro and Dão Touriga Nacionals. A very slight minty note but also a touchherbal. And a mushroom aroma too. Gentler than the Douro wines. Chocolatesmoothness but a nice wild herbs aftertaste. Very supple and good length.Satisfyingly gentle." 14% Drink 2012-17

Notes:

17

Region: Vinho Regional LisboaProduction: 2,000 - 3,000Winemaker: Sandra Tavares da Silva

Address: Quinta de Chocapalha, Casa Agricola das Mimosas,Lda., PT-2580-081 Aldeia Galega da Merceana, PORTUGALContact: Alice Tavares da SilvaEmail: [email protected] +263 679 317Website: www.chocapalha.com

UK Importer: Corney and Barrow LtdAddress: 1, Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZEmail: [email protected]

Quinta de Chocapalha,CH Touriga Nacional, 2008Quinta de Chocapalha - Casa Agricola das Mimosas, LDA

"Field blend but mostly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinto Cão. 15 months inFrench oak. Dark black cherry with black core. Bags of sweet oak spice initially on thenose. Touch of liquorice and pepper. Dark on the palate, fine and savoury with veryfine tannins, tightly structured. Dark fruited but still fresh and an elegant dry finish –currently less expressive on the palate than on the nose. Very refined. Alcohol showsa little on the nose but is more balanced on the palate. Dense but fluid and so muchmore to come. Hidden at the moment." 14.5% Drink 2013-20

Notes:

Region: DouroWinemaker: Antonio AgrellosRRP: £39

Address: Avenida Diogo Leite 254, 4400 - 111,Vila Nova De Gai, PortugalContact: Rute MonteiroEmail: [email protected] +223 770 270Website: www.quintadonoval.com

UK Importer: Gonzalez Byass UKAddress: The Hyde Woodcock Hill , Coopers Green Lane,St Albans , Herts , AL4 9HJEmail: [email protected]

Quinta do Noval, 2008Quinta do Noval

18

"Mostly Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Deep dark crimson. Restrained,minerally dark fruit – elderberry and blackberry rather than plum or damson. Stony,rocky aroma overlays some very ripe but almost savoury fruit. Richness and justenough freshness, even with all that alcohol. Fine, firm savoury tannins. Reallysturdy without being brutish. Surprisingly juicy finish. Very accomplished Douro red.Touch of oak char from the new oak (20%). Tight and densely structured but you cansee it has that fine fruit and freshness yet to open out." 15% Drink 2013-21

Notes:

19

Region: DouroWinemaker: João Nicolau de AlmeidaRRP: £30

Address: Av. Ramos Pinto, 380 4400-266Vila Nova de Gaia, PortugalContact: Ana RatoEmail: [email protected] +223 707 000Website: www.amospinto.pt

UK Importer: Maisons Marques et DomainesAddress: 9A Compass House, Smugglers Way, London,SW18 1DBEmail: [email protected]

Ramos Pinto, Duas Quintas Reserva,2009Adriano Ramos Pinto - Vinhos, S.A.

"Old-vine field blend of 25-30 varieties. Dark black cherry colour. Basket pressed. 16months in French barriques. Damsons and blueberries on the nose and oak spice.Richly flavoured but surprisingly elegant on the palate. Old vine syndrome. Juicy andalmost a red-fruited sweetness on the palate but also finishes fresh." 14.5% Drink2013-20

Notes:

Region: DouroWinemaker: Manuel LoboRRP: £19.00

Address: Quinta do Crasto, Gouvinhas, 5060-063, SabrosaContact: Miguel RoquetteEmail: [email protected] +226 105 493Website: www.quintadocrasto.pt

UK Importer: Enotria Winecellars Ltd.Address: 4-8 Chandos Park Estate, Chandos Road, London,NE10 6NFEmail: [email protected]

Quinta do Crasto, ReservaVinhas Velhas, 2009Quinta do Crasto, S.A.

20

"Field blend of 80-year-old vines, mostly Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, TourigaNacional, grown at the highest point on the estate. 18 months in new French oak.Unnecessarily heavy bottle. Blackish dark crimson. Wonderfully fragrant and liftedwild fruits and a marked thyme aroma. Dense and savoury on the palate but notheavy, counterbalanced by some oak sweetness. Effortless concentration and evenwith all that tannin, still glides across the palate. Pretty oaky now but at least the oakadds dark savour rather than sweetness." 14.5% Drink 2014-24

Notes:

21

Region: DouroProduction: 4,000Winemaker: Tiago Alves de Sousa and Anselmo MendesRRP: £65

Address: Quinta da Gaivosa, 5030-055Santa Marta de Penaguiao, PortugalContact: Tiago Alves de SousaEmail: [email protected] +254 822 111Website: www.alvesdesousa.com

UK Importer: Top SelectionAddress: 16 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XLEmail: [email protected]

Quinta da Gaivosa, Abandonado, 2009Alves de Sousa

"From the Cima Corgo region. 12 months in French oak. Colour of elderberry juice.Fragrant with a light note of orange and bergamot, perhaps a touch reduced at themoment. Intense but not fully revealed, not ready to come out of its shell yet. There'sfruit density rather than fruit flavour at the moment. Gentle red and dark fruit butalso really savoury and coal-like on the palate. Super-fine super-silky tannins evennow yet the concentration builds in the mouth to a long pure finish. Beautifullybalanced and elegant. Just fresh on the finish though the minerality is very markedon the aftertaste, which adds to the freshness." 14% Drink 2013-20

Notes:

Region: DouroProduction: 14,000Winemaker: Jorge Moreira

Address: Quinta do Poeira, Provesende 5060-283 SabrosaContact: Jorge MoreiraEmail: [email protected] +939 506 699Website: www.poeira.pt

UK Importer: Fields, Morris & VerdinAddress: 24-34 Ingate Place, Battersea, London, SW8 3NSEmail: [email protected]

Poeira, 2009Jorge Nobre Moreira

22

"A property from Jorge Serôdio Borges' family. Field blend of more than 20 varieties,centenarian vines, from the Pinhão Valley. Foot trodden. 20 months in mostly newFrench barriques. Rich ruby crimson. Gentle pure fruit, quite restrained but stillfragrant and a little dusty/mineral and opens up to more floral overtones and a touchof herbs. Sweet vanilla note on the finish. Tannins are fine grained but very dry andneed a lot more time in bottle (or a big steak) before they become silky. Even thoughthere's this dry concentration, it still has a smoothness across the mid palate, litheand waiting to come round." 14.5% Drink 2013-20

Notes:

23

Region: DouroWinemaker: Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares

Address: Av.Júlio de Freitas, nº6, Vale de Mendiz,5085-101 Pinhão, PortugalContact: Sandra TavaresEmail: [email protected] +254 738 076Website: www.wineandsoul.com

UK Importer: Corney & BarrowAddress: 1 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZEmail: [email protected]

Wine & Soul, Quinta da Manoella VV,2009Wine & Soul, Lda

"57% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barroca, 3% Tinta Roriz fromthe best and oldest vineyard. Aged in 100% new French oak, which adds some vanillasweetness. Dark purplish crimson. Fragrant aromas marked by Touriga Nacional'shallmark bergamot note, though there's also plenty of minerally dark fruit and a hintof black olives. Smells of the rocky terrain. Fabulously dry and mineral, with the fruitheld in check, giving that coal-dark character that I love about the Douro. Dry andsavoury on the finish, still pretty oaky, superb structure that gives elegant shape andtakes a supporting role though it does need time to show its best. Deftly fine almostsilky texture even with all those tannins." 14.5% Drink 2013-20

Notes:

Region: DouroProduction: 27,000Winemaker: Francisco OlazabalRRP: £65

Address: Quinta do Vale Meão, 5150-501 Vila Nova de Foz Côa,PortugalContact: Luisa OlazabalEmail: [email protected] +279 762 156Website: www.quintadovalemeao.pt


Quinta do Vale Meão, 2009Quinta do Vale Meão (F. Olazabal & Filhos)

24

"This is the same variety as Vinhão in Vinho Verde. 18 months in French oak. Dark aselderberry juice, black core. Unbelievable colour! Dark-berried hedgerow fruit andplenty of oak on the nose. Becoming more fragrant as it opens and showing a rockyDouro origin. Rich, generous and smooth but the hallmark is intenese freshness andlively fruit, even a slightly sour note on the aftertaste. Plush, dense texturecontrasts with the vibrant acidity and bright concentrated fruit and the alcohol nottoo intrusive though you can feel it. Needs time. Perhaps it shows that in the Dourothis variety is better in a blend but it is still a successful rendition of this variety. Alittle less oak influence might be better." 14.5% Drink 2012-17

Notes:

25

Region: DouroProduction: 5,000Winemaker: Francisco OlzabalRRP: £15

Address: Quinta do Vallado, Vilarinho dos Freires, 5050-364Peso da Regua, PortugalContact: João FerreiraEmail: [email protected] +254 323 147Website: www.quintadovallado.com

UK Importer: Bibendum Wine LimitedAddress: 113 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 8UREmail: [email protected]

Quinta do Vallado, Sousão, 2009Quinta do Vallado

"Biodynamic. Vinhão grown along the banks of the Tâmega river. Ambient yeast. pH3.27, TA 8.2 g/l! Total SO2 a mere 26 mg/l. Incredible colour - bright but dark purplishcrimson. Inviting, extreme, sour, red, wild-fruit aromas but the fruit is very very ripe,as if it had been partially dried. Cherry and elderberry and more. The same on thepalate, like alcoholic elderberry juice with tannins. Very high acid, quite a grip. Reallysour cherry finish. Would be great with rich meat. Deliciously idiosyncratic, thoughthe nose reminds me a little of Recioto della Valpolicella but with a more sour note.And the acidity is significantly higher, especially on the finish!" 11% Drink 2012-13

Notes:

Region: Vinho VerdeProduction: 1,800Winemaker: Pedro Lamas

Address: Rua da Rainha, 499 4600-632, Amarante, PortugalContact: Fernando PaivaEmail: [email protected] +962 785 717Website: www.portuguesestory.com/fernando-paiva

UK Importer: Portuguese Story, LtdAddress: 3rd Floor, 28 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6TDEmail: [email protected]

Quinta da Palmirinha Vinhão, 2010Quinta da Palmirinha

26

"The 80-year-old Ramisco vines are 1 km from the Atlantic coast at 111 m above sealevel. Strong Atlantic influence, fresh and humid summers, morning fogs and saltywinds. Sandy soils over brownish limestone. Partially destemmed. Ambient yeast. 22days' post-ferment maceration. 18 months in French oak - 1 of the 3 barrels was new.Bottled Nov 2011. The most beautiful colour - orangy ruby - ie the colour of a mucholder wine. And a wonderfully complex nose - dried roses, spice, oranges, red fruit(red cherry and cranberry), liquorice. Lithe and energetic with a fine freshness, lighttannic grip and some oak still to the fore. Althought the tannins are dry, they are alsosweet. Wild and untamed and yet still fragrant." 11% Drink 2012-25

Notes:

27

Region: ColaresProduction: 800Winemaker: Frederico Gomes and Helder Cunha

Address: Rua Romano Esteves 276 2750-576 Cascais,Portugal, Ninho de empresas DNA Cascais - Gabinete 7, Cruz daPopa, 2645-449 Alcabideche, PortugalContact: Helder CunhaEmail: [email protected] +933 256 124Website: www.cascawines.pt

UK Importer: Lusowest Trading & Consulting LtdAddress: The Old Mill, Park Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset,BA4 5BSEmail: [email protected]

Casca Wines, Monte Cascas Ramisco,2009Casca Wines

"Old-vine Maria Gomez and Bical. Aged 7 years on lees. Pale gold. Lovely complexity.Rich, honey on toast and a touch of apple and ripe citrus. Full in the mouth but withfreshness, finesse and persistence. Some savoury/bready notes of age adding to thecomplexity. Fine bead though the fizz has become quite gentle. Lots of pleasure and agood food wine." 13.5% Drink 2009-15

Notes:

Region: BairradaProduction: 3,812Winemaker: Rui Moura Alves

Address: Fogueira 3780-523, SangalhosContact: Mário SérgioEmail: [email protected] +234 742 102

UK Importer: UKPOR IMPORTAddress: 48B Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 1RXEmail: [email protected]

Quinta das Bageiras, Grande ReserveBruto Natural, 2003Quinta das Bágeiras - Mário Sérgio

28

"Six months in French oak. Just bottled (10 April 2012). Perfumed - both floral andpeachy but with the tang of something sharper like quince and green fruit. Like adelicate Gewürz on the nose. But with better acidity and more citrus on the palate.Doesn't have enormous length but it's great to see this variety on its own. The 2010,which I tasted with a little more bottle age, tasted quite like a Loire Chenin." 13%Drink 2012-13

Notes:

29

Region: Vinho Regional LisboaProduction: 3,000Winemaker: ManzWine

Address: Rua Rui Teles Palhinha nº 3 - 2º Esq; 2744-015 PortoSalvo, PortugalContact: Raul SilvaEmail: [email protected] +214 269 710Website: www.manzwine.com


Biomanz, Dona Fátima Jampal, 2011ManzWine

"100% Vital. Aged in oak though not much new. Just bottled, April 2012. Lovelyfreshness and tension. Lots of limey citrus combined with a stony restraint. Long andtight and will surely improve and become more complex in bottle. The 2009 tasted ayear ago was riper with rich lemony fruit with a hint of apricot and a strong mineralstreak. Lightly mealy oak flavour and creamy texture but most of all it’s the lemonfreshness, touch of grapefruit and the intensity of flavour that stands out, even withthe very moderate alcohol and delicate body. Pure, taut, vibrant and mouthwateringbut so elegant and delicate. A lovely, intensely refreshing wine. It may well agemuch longer than this." 12% Drink 2013-16

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional LisboaProduction: 5,000Winemaker: Antonio CarvalhoRRP: £22

Address: Rua Germano Fontes, 6. 2560-099 Maceira- PortugalContact: Marta SoaresEmail: [email protected] +914 673 242Website: www.facebook.com/casal figueira


Casal Figueira, António, 2011Casal Figueira

30

"Strong Atlantic influence. 50% Bical, 50% Arinto. Fermented 80% in tank, 20% inused French oak. Fermentation stopped naturally at 5 g/l residual sugar. Touch ofsmoke or flint on the nose - possibly a very slight note of reduction at this stage. Butalso a fine mealy/creamy aroma even though the oak influence is so slight. Rich androunded and mouthfilling. Not bone dry. Deliciously creamy. With flavours of greenapple and grapefruit and peach. Generous and rich but still fresh. Persistent, too."12.5% Drink 2012-15

Notes:

31

Region: Vinho Regional BeirasProduction: 13,000Winemaker: Filipa Pato

Address: Rua da Quinta Nova, Ribeiro da Gandara, 3780-017,Amoreira da GandaraContact: Filipa PatoEmail: [email protected] +961 736 945Website: www.filipapato.net

UK Importer: Clark Foyster Wines LtdAddress: 15 South Ealing Road, London, W5 4QTEmail: [email protected]

Filipa Pato, FP, 2011F Pato Vinhos

"Made by Vitor Claro, a Portuguese chef bitten by the wine bug and inspired by thepotential of old vines. His first vintage. A field blend of Alicante Branco (PalominoFino), Fernão Pires, three types of Muscatel, three types of Arinto, Rabo de Ovelha,etc. grown on limestone soils in Portalegre. Salty and a little reductive. Complexaromas: creamy, mineral, reductive, all those things that are not fruit, then grapefruitand quince tart freshness on the palate. Mouthwatering finish. Makes me want toeat. Slight oak note on the palate and a creaminess in the texture. Still very goodafter a week open in the fridge (reduction disappeared). I am not sure about the drinkdates as the wine has no track record." 12% Drink 2012-14

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoProduction: 640Winemaker: Vitor Claro

Address: Rua Cândido dos Reis, 670 4400-071,Vila Nova de Gaia, PortugalContact: Niepoort ProjectosEmail: [email protected] +936 019 583Website: www.niepoort-projectos.com

Dominó, Monte das Pratas Branco, 2010Vitor Claro

32

"Arinto, Fernão Pires and Roupeiro bushvines from old vineyards, interplanted –white varieties picked out from among the red. Highest vineyard area in southernPortugal (700 metres) and very close to the Spanish border. Partially barrelfermented in new French oak. Very pale. Gentle, sophisticated, creamy nose. Lovelyrestrained concentration of old vines. Fresh citrus, a little peachy, a touch herbal.Great tension and freshness and zest. Salty mineral finish and long. Crafted but notovercrafted. Very slight Muscat influence but more peachy than grapey. Saltyfreshness with the complex spice of very moderate oak. Very long. Subtle andrefined." 13% Drink 2011-13+

Notes:

33

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoProduction: 6,000Winemaker: Rui ReguingaRRP: £15.00

Address: Travessa do Calvário, nº26, 2080-174 AlmeirimContact: Rui ReguingaEmail: [email protected] +243 592 049Website: www.ruireguinga.com

UK Importer: The Wine SocietyAddress: Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2BTEmail: [email protected]

Rui Reguinga, Terrenus, 2010Rui Reguinga Enologia Unipessoal, Lda

"Fitapreta is a partnership between viticulturist David Booth and winemaker AntónioMaçanita. David died suddenly and tragically in April this year. 42% Arinto, 31%Antão Vaz, 17% Verdelho. Mostly barrel fermented (50% new) and aged, with leesstirring, though some in tank. Malo for only 10% of the wine. Very pale gold. Intensemix of aromas: smoky lapsang, creamy, cedary oak and salty - not to mention someVerdelho perfume and lemon clarity. Oak is evident but not overwhelming on thepalate. There's freshnss though it is full bodied and bold and that freshness isamplified by a very slight bitterness on the finish. Harmonious and long and lots ofpotential for further complexity." 13.5% Drink 2011-15

Notes:

Region: Vinho Regional AlentejanoProduction: 3,650Winemaker: António Maçanita

Address: Tapada da Ajuda ISA INOVISA 1349-017 LisboaContact: Laura RamalhoEmail: [email protected] +213 147 297

UK Importer: The Exceptional Wine Company LtdAddress: Gatehouse Farm, Rogate, Hants, GU31 5DBEmail: [email protected]

Fitapreta, Palpite Reserva, 2009Fita Preta Vinhos

34

"Pale gold. Buttery and nutty. Creamy/mealy but still mineral. Savoury oatmeal,complex. The oak makes the wine but it's not overly oaky in taste – more thestructure than the flavour. Rather burgundian despite the completely differentgrape variety. And a certain woodiness coming through." 14% Drink 2011-15

Notes:

35

Region: AlentejoProduction: 7,000Winemaker: Rui Reguinga

Address: Apartado 19-7960-909Contact: Reto JorgEmail: [email protected] +284 441 618Website: www.quintadoquetzal.com


Quinta do Quetzal, Reserva Antão Vaz,2009Quinta do Quetzal

"Malvasia Fina always better in Maias, Encruzado at Roques. 10% fermented in oak togive mid palate weight. Delicately fragrant, lightly peachy but also something a littlemore tangy/cedary. Doesn't yet have that touch of honey that develops after sixmonths in bottle but it has lovely weight as well a sour pear-like freshness on thecreamy palate and a delicate cedar note at the end. An elegant whole with a morestony aftertaste so that the wine takes you on a journey from fruit to terroir.Becomes not only more creamy but also more mineral as it warms up in the glass. Dryand refined but lots of flavour." Drink 2012-15

Notes:

Region: DãoProduction: 5,000Winemaker: Rui Reguinga and João SantiagoRRP: £15

Address: Rua Direita 12, Abrunhosa do Mato, 3530-050Cunha BaixaContact: Luis LourençoEmail: [email protected] +219 249 373Website: www.quintamaias.pt (coming soon)


Quinta das Maias, Malvasia Fina, 2011S.A. Faldas da Serra - Quinta das Maias

36

"One month ferment and two months' bâtonnage. They made two Encruzado winesin 2010 because they had more than usual and it was very good. Dusty mineral citrus.But also very lightly floral. Very high acidity, tight and long. Mineral aftertaste and somuch more to come. Pure and very young. Mouthwatering and so long." 13% Drink2012-18

Notes:

37

Region: DãoProduction: 7,500Winemaker: Alvaro Castro

Address: Quinta da Pellada 6270-141 Pinhanços (Seia)Contact: Alvaro CastroEmail: [email protected] +238 486 133Website: www.quintadapellada.com


Quinta de Saes, Reserva Encruzado,2010Quinta da Pellada Unipessoal, Lda.

"Field blend including Encruzado, Cerceal, Bical, Verdelho, Terrantez, etc. – a total of39 varieties, 50-year-old vines grown on sand and clay over granite. Fermented inboth tank and barrique. Very pale. Initially mineral, perhaps a little salty, on the nose,quite closed (when tasted end 2011 when the components seemed only just marriedand needing more time). Delicate white peppery note. Just a touch of peach butmainly rapier-like citrus tension and length. Great acidity just offset with a lightlycreamy texture. Oak so well in the background. Taut, expressive and long. Restrainedby that minerality and old-vine concentration without any excess weight. Leaves aspicy tang on your tongue at the very end." 13% Drink 2013-20

Notes:

Region: DãoProduction: 2,500Winemaker: Alvaro Castro

Address: Quinta da Pellada 6270-141 Pinhanços (Seia)Contact: Alvaro CastroEmail: [email protected] +238 486 133Website: www.quintadapellada.com


Quinta da Pellada, Primus, 2009Quinta da Pellada Unipessoal, Lda.

38

"Mineral, and a little sulphurous at this young age (tasted very soon after bottling,April 2012). Intense and tastes slightly off dry (RS 5 g/l apparently) though there'sterrific freshness. Concentrated and surprisingly powerful on the palate. I didn'texpect Avesso to have this depth. Creamy citrus with a taut stony intensity. A hintof vegetal character but also a little peppery. As it opens up, there's an impressiveamount of fruit flavour for what is otherwise a very restrained wine." 13% Drink2012-13

Notes:

39

Region: Vinho VerdeProduction: 10,000Winemaker: António Sousa

Address: Avenida da Boavista, 1277/81, 4º, 4100-130 Porto,Rua Trigadeiro Nunes da Ponte N.º 1510, Tuias, 4630 - 239Marco de CanavesesContact: António SousaEmail: [email protected] +967 571 644


Vales de Ambrães, Avesso, 2011Prosa - Produtos e Serviços Agrícolas, SA

"Fermented at 18–20 ºC. Plenty of CO2 visible – and spritz on the palate. Intense butdelicate fruit – ripe citrus foundation but lightly floral too and a peachy richness fromthe Trajadura to balance the taut freshness of the Alvarinho. Attractive note ofdusty stones. Just off dry, gently textured with pear flavours on the palate, lesscitrusy than on the nose , and with a light sour aftertaste reinforcing the freshness.Classic, top-notch Vinho Verde. Lots of pleasure without too much alcohol. Lovelybalance and harmony and a stony, delicately grainy aftertaste." 11.5% Drink 2012-13

Notes:

Region: Vinho VerdeProduction: 480,500Winemaker: Fernando Moura

Address: Cruzes, 4950-279 MazedoContact: Armando FontainhasEmail: [email protected] +251 656 120Website: www.adegademoncao.pt

UK Importer: Clark Foyster Wines LtdAddress: 15 South Ealing Road, London, W5 4QTEmail: [email protected]

Adega de Monção, 2011Adega Cooperativa Regional de Moncão, CRL

40

"Moncão and Melgaço subregion. Intense fruit aromas of citrus, pineapple and greenfig with a a bit of celery thrown in. Utterly seductive on the palate - all thatwonderful ripe fruit allied with lovely freshness and that sour mineral edge typcial ofVinho Verde. Not sure if this is off dry or if the fruit is just very ripe. Very long indeed.Sometimes I have found Soalheiro wines almost too ripe, too broad but this showsexcellent concentration and harmony without contradicting its Vinho Verde origins."13% Drink 2012-15+

Notes:

41

Region: Vinho VerdeWinemaker: Joáo Antonio CerdeiraRRP: £25

Address: Alvaredo, Melgaço, 4960-010 AlvaredoEmail: [email protected] +251 416 769Website: www.soalheiro.com


Quinta de Soalheiro, Primeiras VinhasAlvarinho, 2010Quinta de Soalheiro

"Name changed to Aphros from the 2011 vintage. From the Lima subregion.Fermented at 15–18 ºC. A touch of CO2 still visible. Gently honeyed nose, so inviting,still with citrus purity and a touch floral. RS 6.1 g/l. A nutty aroma too, not unlikeHunter Valley Semillon. More woody (not oaky) on the palate. Rich though fresh.Creamy texture on the long finish. Having tasted the Loureiro 2008, I know this willget more interesting still, even though it does seem to mature quite quickly." 12%Drink 2010-14

Notes:

Region: Vinho VerdeProduction: 25,333Winemaker: Pedro Bravo and Rui Cunha

Address: Casal do Paço, Padreiro -(S. Salvador), 4970-500Arcos de Valdevez - PortugalContact: Vasco CroftEmail: [email protected] +914 206 772Website: www.afros-wine.com

UK Importer: Les Caves de PyrèneAddress: Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road, Artington,Guildford, GU3 1LPEmail: [email protected]

Afros, Loureiro, 2009Casal do Paço Padreiro - Sociedade Vitivinícola, Lda.

42

"35% Viosinho, 35% Rabigato plus others, including Gouveio and Côdega de Larinho.Long, drawn-out harvest in 2010. 50% fermented and matured in barrel. Lovelyspiced and stony aroma with a touch of reductive smokiness at this young stage (Oct2011). Tight, zesty, less rich in the mouth than I expected, more tension, but has lotsof energy and verve." 13.3% Drink 2012-16

Notes:

43

Region: DouroProduction: 15,000Winemaker: Jorge MoreiraRRP: £15

Address: Quinta de la Rosa, Pinhao 5085-215, PortugalContact: Sophia BergqvistEmail: [email protected] +254 732 254Website: www.quintadelarosa.com

UK Importer: Fields Morris & VerdinAddress: Unit 28-30 Southbank Business Centre ,Ponton Road, London , SW8 5BLEmail: [email protected]

Quinta de La Rosa, Branco, 2010Quinta de la Rosa

"Field blend of Rabigato, Côdega de Larinho, Arinto, etc. A little smoky and reductive,as you would expect for a Coche-Dury tribute wine. Opening up on the nose tointense and minerally citrus, then pure and concentrated on the palate, with clearcitrus combined with something more savoury. Really edgy and fresh even with somuch density on the palate. Long and satisfying. More ripe-fruited than the Frenchoriginal but a pretty good tribute from such a different location. As it warms in theglass the concentration just builds in the mouth. Very long." 13.5% Drink 2013-19+

Notes:

Region: DouroProduction: 1,900Winemaker: Dirk Niepoort and Luis SeabraRRP: £65

Address: Rua Cândido dos Reis, 670, 4400-071 Vila Nova deGaia, PortugalContact: Verena NiepoortEmail: [email protected] +223 777 777Website: www.niepoort-vinhos.com


Niepoort, Coche, 2010Niepoort Vinhos S.A

44

"Viosinho, Rabigato, Côdega de Larinho and Gouveio. Rich, almost exotic aroma: socomplex - there's minerality, creamy citrus, pear, and so much more that cannot beteased apart. Oak is evident but so intertwined with all the other aromas that itdoesn't stand out or dominate. On the palate, creamy texture, cedary citrus flavourand wonderful freshness even though it is mouthfilling and full-bodied. This is agreat example of oaked Douro white. As it opens out, there's that inviting quincearoma that reminds me a bit of the best Loire Chenin Blanc. Finishes cool and longwith a blend of fruity and savoury." Drink 2011-15

Notes:

45

Region: DouroWinemaker: Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares

Address: Av.Júlio de Freitas, nº6, Vale de Mendiz, 5085-101Pinhão, PortugalContact: Sandra TavaresEmail: [email protected] +254 738 076Website: www.wineandsoul.com

UK Importer: Corney & BarrowAddress: 1 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZEmail: [email protected]

Wine & Soul, Guru, 2008Wine & Soul, Lda

"Shame about the heavy bottle. Field blend of Viosinho, Rabigato, Côdega de Larinhoand Gouveio. Two parcels of 20–50-year-old vines from the Murça district of north-eastern Douro. Fermented and aged 9 months in new French oak. Savoury, mealyaroma from the oak. Pretty oaky on the palate though there's some pine and citrusfreshness underneath. Very fresh actually. Rich and mealy on the palate with a hintof orange. Clean and very fresh on the finish. Needs time." 13.4% Drink 2012-18

Notes:

Region: DouroProduction: 4,000Winemaker: Cristiano van Zeller, Sandra Tavares da Silva andJoana Pinhão

Address: Rua de Gondarém, 1427, 2º Dto., Ala Norte,4150 - 380 Porto, PortugalContact: Cristiano van ZellerEmail: [email protected] +223 744 320Website: www.vanzellersandco.com

UK Importer: Atlântico UKAddress: Unit 10 - Commerce Park , Commerce Way, Croydon,Surrey, CR0 4YLEmail: [email protected]

Van Zellers, VZ, 2010Lemos & van Zeller, Lda.

46

"Foot trodden. Aged in Portuguese oak vats for 4 years. Unfiltered. Sweet ripe andvery pure. Intense blackberry and blueberry purity. Super smooth and velvety.Tastes so pure it is a little like crushed alcoholic blackberries on the palate. Dark,roasted savoury edge, like roasted potato skins. Delicious dark fruit, unbelievablelength." 21.5% Drink 2011-29

Notes:

47

Region: AlentejoProduction: 6,000RRP: £20

Address: 7470-153 Casa Branca, PortugalContact: John FordyceEmail: [email protected] +268 539 228Website: www.mouchaowine.pt

UK Importer: Forth Wines LtdAddress: Crawford Place, Milnathort, Kinross-shire, KY13 9XFEmail: [email protected]

Herdade do Mouchão, Mouchão LicorosoAlicante Bouschet, 2006Herdade de Mouchão

"7 months on skins after addition of grape spirit. Aged in French oak. No date on thelabel but it seems to have been bottled in 1997. RS 207.6 g/l. Deep burnt ochre colour.Nutty burnt marmalade and caramel. Really nutty but also intensely fresh on thepalate - so crisp that the sweetness is held in check. Very very long. Less finesse thanthe Alambre but more compexity." 18% Drink 2005-2025

Notes:

Region: Moscatel de SetúbalProduction: 2,818Winemaker: Luis Simões

Address: R João de Deus nº 10 2950-731 Quinta do AnjoContact: Pedro Camacho SimõesEmail: [email protected] +938 442 319Website: www.horaciosimoes.com


Casa Agrícola Horácio Simões, ExcellentMoscatel Roxo , NVCasa Agricola Horacio Simões

48

"Bottled 2011. A blend of 19 vintages, the youngest 20 years old and the oldest nearly80 years old. Deep orange-tawny the colour of bitter marmalade. Intense nose ofsmoky burnt caramel, walnuts, bitter oranges and dried figs and apricots. Wonderfulwalnut flavour and still has the taste of apricots. Intense, rich, tangy and with lovelymouthwatering freshness even with all that sweetness. And so long. RS 182 g/l."18% Drink now or keep for many years to come.

Notes:

49

Region: Moscatel de SetúbalProduction: 10,000 bottles of 500mlWinemaker: Domingos Soares FrancoRRP: £25

Address: Quinta da Bassaqueira, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão,2925-511 Azeitão, PortugalContact: Miguel Azevedo RemédioEmail: [email protected] +212 197 500Website: www.jmf.pt

UK Importer: Moreno Wines Ltd.Address: 26 Macroom Road, London, W9 3HYEmail: [email protected]

Jose Maria da Fonseca, Alambre20 Year Old Moscatel, NVJosé Maria da Fonseca Vinhos, S.A.

"Slightly cloudy walnut colour. Golden rather than greenish. Bitter caramel,caramelised oranges and dried apricots reduced down to their essence. But also hasthat nutty savoury character of madeira. Soft, thick, spiced but still has intense dried-apricot flavour and lovely orange freshness to the long long end. Great purity." 18.5%Drink 2010-35

Notes:

Region: Moscatel de SetúbalProduction: 5,400Winemaker: Joaquim CostaRRP: £200 Euros

Address: Quinta S. Tiago, 2950-209 PalmelaContact: Carla TiagoEmail: [email protected] +919 588 068


Adriano Tiago, Tiagos MoscatelSuperior, 1993Tiagos - Adriano Manuel Pereira Tiago

50

TRINCADEIRATrincadeira \Tinta Amarela can make reds with wonderfully bright raspberry fruit, spicy, peppery, herbal �avours, and very good acidity. This red grape grows all over Portugal, especially in dry, warm areas, but is probably at its best in the Alentejo. In the Douro it’s known as Tinta Amarela.

PORTUGUESE GRAPES · A TREASURE TROVE

BAGABaga This late-ripening grape often makes lean, tannic reds that can be astringent in youth, but mature to complexity with age. In hotter years, or by skilful ripening and winemaking, Baga can give rich, dense reds, with cherry and damson fruit, ageing to softer, complex �avours of herbs, malt, cedar and dried fruit.Its heartland is Bairrada but it also grows elsewhere in the Beiras, including Dão. It is also used as a base for sparkling wine.

TINTA RORIZTinta Roriz | Aragonez makes �ne, elegant red wines with aromas of red fruits, plums and blackberries, �rm tannins and good ageing potential – you may have met it across the border as Tempranillo. Called Tinta Roriz in the north of Portugal, this is one of the top grapes for Port and Douro table wines, also important in the Dão region. In the Alentejo it is called Aragonez. It is generally used in blends with other varieties.

CASTELÃOCastelão The most planted black grape of the southern part of Portugal can make �rm, �ne, raspberry-fruity wines that evolve to a cedary, cigar-box character. It is at its best in the Palmela region on the Setúbal Peninsula south of Lisbon.

ARINTOArinto | Pedernã makes elegant, lemony, appley, mineral whites that are delicious young and fresh but can gain complexity with age. Arinto is the main grape of the famous wines of Bucelas, �ne, elegant whites from just north of Lisbon. It’s a late-ripening grape with the great advantage that it keeps its marked acidity even in hot conditions. No wonder that it grows across much of the country. It often adds freshness and elegance to blends of other white varieties. It also succeeds in the cool Vinho Verde region, where it is known as Pedernã. Its crisp acidity is also an advantage for sparkling wines.

ALVARINHOAlvarinho makes characterful, rich, mineral white wines with fruity notes of peaches and citrus, and sometimes tropical fruits and �owers. This high-quality white grape has long been prized in the north west of Portugal, and is much planted in the northern part of the Vinho Verde region, between the River Lima and the River Minho, which forms the border with Spain. (You may have met the Spanish version, Albariño.) Its famous heartland is the Vinho Verde sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. Alvarinho wines are fuller in body and higher in alcohol than most Vinho Verde, and are often bottled as a single variety, and named on the label. These wines are delicious young but can age well. Growers elsewhere in Portugal have recognised Alvarinho’s quality, and the variety is slowly spreading south.

WHITE GRAPES

RED GRAPES

Portugal’s native grape varieties are a real national treasure. Exciting, distinctive. Prized and savoured by generations of Portuguese wine-lovers. Ripe for discovery as fresh new avours by wine drinkers elsewhere in the world. Here are just a few of the �nest…

250GRAPEVARIETIES

TOURIGA FRANCATouriga Franca makes densely-coloured, �rm but rich, aromatic wines with �oral overtones and blackberry fruit. It is one of the �ve o cially recommended grapes for Port, and is also used in red Douro blends – indeed it is the most widely planted grape in the Douro Valley. It is generally used in blends.

TOURIGA NACIONALTouriga Nacional makes �rm, richly-coloured wines (and Port) with complex aromas and �avours reminiscent of violets, liquorice, ripe blackcurrants and raspberries, along with a subtle, herby hint of bergamot. It’s a northern grape by origin, Dão and Douro both claiming it as their own, but now it is grown all over Portugal. It can age well.

ENCRUZADOEncruzado makes elegant, well-balanced, full-bodied whites with delicate �oral and citrus aromas and sometimes an intensely mineral character. Delicious in a pure, unoaked style, Encruzado also responds well to oak-fermentation or oak-ageing, turning out some serious, �ne, well-structured wines that can mature and gain complexity over many years. You are most likely to �nd it in the Dão region, up in the north, either as a single variety or in blends – these are some of Portugal’s most exciting white wines. In the vineyard, even in hot conditions, Encruzado grapes keep their fresh acidity and ripen to perfection without becoming over-sweet.

FERNÃO PIRESFernão Pires |Maria Gomes makes light, fruity, fragrant whites reminiscent of Muscat in �avour – �oral and citrus. It tastes freshest when picked early for drinking young and fresh. It is also used in sparkling wines, and can occasionally be harvested later to make sweet wines. Portugal’s most cultivated white grape, it is grown more or less everywhere but especially down the western coast including the Setúbal Península, Tejo, Lisboa and Bairrada, sometimes under the alias Maria Gomes.

TRINCADEIRATrincadeira \Tinta Amarela can make reds with wonderfully bright raspberry fruit, spicy, peppery, herbal �avours, and very good acidity. This red grape grows all over Portugal, especially in dry, warm areas, but is probably at its best in the Alentejo. In the Douro it’s known as Tinta Amarela.

PORTUGUESE GRAPES · A TREASURE TROVE

BAGABaga This late-ripening grape often makes lean, tannic reds that can be astringent in youth, but mature to complexity with age. In hotter years, or by skilful ripening and winemaking, Baga can give rich, dense reds, with cherry and damson fruit, ageing to softer, complex �avours of herbs, malt, cedar and dried fruit.Its heartland is Bairrada but it also grows elsewhere in the Beiras, including Dão. It is also used as a base for sparkling wine.

TINTA RORIZTinta Roriz | Aragonez makes �ne, elegant red wines with aromas of red fruits, plums and blackberries, �rm tannins and good ageing potential – you may have met it across the border as Tempranillo. Called Tinta Roriz in the north of Portugal, this is one of the top grapes for Port and Douro table wines, also important in the Dão region. In the Alentejo it is called Aragonez. It is generally used in blends with other varieties.

CASTELÃOCastelão The most planted black grape of the southern part of Portugal can make �rm, �ne, raspberry-fruity wines that evolve to a cedary, cigar-box character. It is at its best in the Palmela region on the Setúbal Peninsula south of Lisbon.

ARINTOArinto | Pedernã makes elegant, lemony, appley, mineral whites that are delicious young and fresh but can gain complexity with age. Arinto is the main grape of the famous wines of Bucelas, �ne, elegant whites from just north of Lisbon. It’s a late-ripening grape with the great advantage that it keeps its marked acidity even in hot conditions. No wonder that it grows across much of the country. It often adds freshness and elegance to blends of other white varieties. It also succeeds in the cool Vinho Verde region, where it is known as Pedernã. Its crisp acidity is also an advantage for sparkling wines.

ALVARINHOAlvarinho makes characterful, rich, mineral white wines with fruity notes of peaches and citrus, and sometimes tropical fruits and �owers. This high-quality white grape has long been prized in the north west of Portugal, and is much planted in the northern part of the Vinho Verde region, between the River Lima and the River Minho, which forms the border with Spain. (You may have met the Spanish version, Albariño.) Its famous heartland is the Vinho Verde sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. Alvarinho wines are fuller in body and higher in alcohol than most Vinho Verde, and are often bottled as a single variety, and named on the label. These wines are delicious young but can age well. Growers elsewhere in Portugal have recognised Alvarinho’s quality, and the variety is slowly spreading south.

WHITE GRAPES

RED GRAPES

Portugal’s native grape varieties are a real national treasure. Exciting, distinctive. Prized and savoured by generations of Portuguese wine-lovers. Ripe for discovery as fresh new avours by wine drinkers elsewhere in the world. Here are just a few of the �nest…

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· F Pato Vinhos "Ungrafted vines planted on sandy soil. Lovely (white) peppery and dusty nose with