For many years Portuguese wines remained undiscovered gems known only to a few intrepid wine drinkers. In recent years things have changed, and Portugal has taken its place on the international stage. The wines, made using local grape varieties and reasonably priced, offer a winning combination of great value and real excitement.
Portuguese wines did very well in the recent Noffla Star Awards, the annual competition for wines stocked by independent retailers, carrying away four gold star awards and four silver or bronze awards. Look out for the winners in your local independent off-licence.
Most of our retailers have sweetish fruity red wines from Lisboa with colourful labels, and these are usually among their best-selling wines. Porta was the first and has been much imitated since. However, Portugal has much more to offer. Aldi and Lidl both stock a changing range of red and white wines that usually offer decent value for money. Some of the independent wine shops have a great selection of hand-made Portuguese red and white wines.
Generally speaking, the red wines of Alentejo are richer and warmer, those from Dâo lighter and more elegant, with the Douro somewhere in between. But that is a simplification, as the vineyards in all three regions have a variety of growing conditions, including soils and elevation. The white wines, featured here before, are excellent too, but today we feature four red wines.
Animus Douro Reserva 2022
13.5%, €9.99
Ripe, sweet, dark fruits with a touch of spice. Supple and smooth. A good all-purpose wine to enjoy with firm cheeses, white or red meats.
From Aldi
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Dandy De Cidrô – Red 2023
11.5%, €19.99
Fragrant with juicy lively light raspberry fruits and a soft finish. A great aperitif wine or with mixed cheese and charcuterie.
From McHughs, D5; No 21 Off Licences; La Touche, Greystones; Pinto Wines, D7; Leonards, Trim
Sempar Portalegre 2019, Niepoort, Alentejo
13.5%, €20
A winning combination of ripe dark fruits, dried herbs with a juicy lively refreshing note. This would go very nicely with a roast of pork or stewed beans in a tomato sauce.
From Bradley’s, Cork; Pinto Wines, D9; Drinkstore, D7; Wineonline.ie; Martins, D3
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Antonio Madeira Dão Vinhos Velhas 2020
13%, €35
Intense, fresh, herby dark fruits with a savoury mineral touch and a lingering spiciness. Wonderful wine. I would try it with roast chicken, pork, or mushrooms.
From Pinto, D9; Baggot Street Wines; Blackrock Cellar
