Portugal
For most people, even for many wine experts, Portuguese wine is uncharted territory. Aside from Port, the occasional bottle of Vinho Verde, or even Mateus Rosé, it’s rare to stumble upon Portuguese wine outside of a specialist shop. Even then you’re only really likely to find a few bottles of Portuguese wine and so few, that Portugal is rarely even given its own section: normally they’re lumped in the Spanish section.
Portuguese wine is definitely worth exploring, though. For serious wine lovers, it’s an exciting country to navigate as the wine is usually made from grape varieties that aren’t really found anywhere else in the world.
It’s also a wine that’s likely to appeal to bargain hunters. Portuguese wine doesn’t command the same prices that other European countries do and your money will go a lot further if you buy Portuguese rather than French, Spanish, or Italian wine. At Pinto Wines we do have a great offering of Portuguese wines and if you find that you need help to explore this section, the Portuguese guy behind the counter will be more than happy to help you with your choice.
More About Portugal
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Adega de Penalva wines are delicious everyday examples of one of Portugal’s most intriguing appellations — the Dão. Perched above the Dão river itself as it snakes through its granite valleys, the Adega de Penalva is one of the leading cooperatives in the area, boasting around a thousand member growers. It’s important to note, though, that the average holding per member amounts to barely over a hectare—a figure that reminds us how tenaciously much of rural Portugal clings to its old ways. (On that note, all fruit destined for the ‘Indigena’ bottlings is hand-harvested.) Since its founding in the 1960s, the Adega has been collecting its members’ grapes and producing clean, characterful wines with a minimum of fuss that showcase real regional typicity while remaining extremely attractively priced. Adega de Penalva Indigena Dao Tinto is made with 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and 30% Jaen (Mencía). Hand-harvested, fully destemmed and aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tank. Aromas of leather and blueberries lead to a palate full of dark fruits with cherry and raspberry notes. Pairs well with beef and lamb. -
Adega Cooperativa dos Biscoitos was founded in 1999, in the Parish of Biscoitos, on the island of Terceira, Azores. In the century In the 16th century, the Biscoitos wine took on a notable importance when supplying the Caravelas on the Indies and Spices route. Among the products supplied to supply the fleets, there was Verdelho wine. This micro-region Biscoitos, is volcanic to the core, made from Verdelho grape variety. The location is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Wine is currently produced here only on a mere 9 hectares. The vineyards are planted in the so-called ‘curraletas’ of Biscoitos, part of the landscape and heritage of the Terceira Island. The vines grow on volcanic soils, surrounded by magma rocks that protect them from the strong winds of the Atlantic, originating a unique and special wine. Stunning wine that is worth every penny. -
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is the representation of an ambitious and innovative project of the Soares family, who have transformed a piece of Alentejo land, into one of the most beautiful and charismatic estates in the Alentejo. Located in Albernoa and currently possessing 80 hectares of vineyards, it is here that wines full of personality are created, whose labels are based on the children's drawings of their offspring. In addition to the focus on vines and wine, the estate is also farmed for olive groves and olive oil production, as well as rural and wine tourism activities. -
António Madeira is a Frenchman with Portuguese roots who considers that the heart of Dão, one of Portugal’s most interesting wine regions, is in the Serra do Estrela, which is where he can trace his Portuguese roots back to. Madeira has been researching the area since 2010, and he has managed to rescue interesting vineyards with abandoned old vines growing an impressive number of native varieties. This is winemaking that dates back a long time, where the plots have special granite soils, a good altitude and sun exposure and they are cultivated with great care for the environment. All of these factors result in authentic wines, with an honest personality. An excellent return to origins. -
Casa Ferreirinha, was acquired by Sogrape Vinhos in 1987, its wines are synonymous with time and art. This has happened since its foundation, in the 18th century, by the hand of Bernardo Ferreira, who saw the formula refined by his descendants, especially by his granddaughter Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, who affectionately became known as "Ferreirinha" or "Ferreirinha-da-Régua" for the people of that land. Through the hands of Dona Antónia, who twice widowed herself at the head of a large company, Ferreira consolidated itself admirably. Her entrepreneurial spirit taught her to foresee, decide, create, teach and love, making her a figure of great projection and charisma. Barca Velha is the result of the passion of Fernando Nicolau de Almeida (Casa Ferreirinha Head Winemaker in 1952), who envisioned a high quality Douro Red Wines made with the aging potential of Vintage Ports. The first harvest was 1952. Barca Velha is only released in exceptional years, current head winemaker Luis Sottomayor began his career at this house as an apprentice learning directly from Fernando Nicolau D'Almeida. ''2011 was an extraordinary year-one of the best ever in Douro-Intense and exceptional quality. When this wine was born, we soon realized that it would be destined for Barca-Velha”. But even so, it was necessary to pass the great test of time with distinction. In the barrels, first, and then in the bottle, it was followed and evaluated over nine years, until the final decision was made. -
Niepoort is a family business dating back to 1842. Its winemaking tradition began in the Douro region, with the roduction of Port wine. Nowadays has a foothold in all the major Portuguese regions with still wines production outside the Douro Valley. Know-how, enthusiasm and an innovative mindset have passed down from generation to generation, making Niepoort one of the most authentic and notable Portuguese wine producers. The grapes to produce this wine come from Quinta do Carril, from a north-facing vineyard with more than 70 years, and also from old vineyards about 100 years old near Quinta de Nápoles. Niepoort sums up this elegant bottling well by saying “Batuta is a wine of extremes, having more of everything, is at the same time, the one with a more discrete behavior.” Quite so this year (and most), as the wine opens with subtlety and elegance, seeming rather mute. It is somewhat tinged by oak early in its life. That will be easily absorbed. It takes some air and patience to see what this sometimes too subtle wine has, but there is good structure underneath (and a little tannic pop that emerges with air) that should allow the wine to develop well and have the time to acquire some complexity, which is often its best feature. It has a very Burgundian feel, with a silky, graceful mid-palate. There is nothing obvious about this bottling in any year. This year, certainly, it is a Batuta that is perhaps subtle to a fault, but it will be a perfect food wine and when you are drinking it you will suddenly realize how much you like it.'' Time will tell, definitely one of the great current masters of winemaking. Not just in Portugal but in the world -
A wine that expresses the characteristics and grape varieties of the Vinho Verde region. It's a light and refreshing wine, for all occasions. -
Alexandre de Almeida, founder of the oldest hotel chain in Portugal with the same name, began producing Buçaco Wines in 1917 when he realized what the Hotel Winery concept meant after many visits to European hotels, including those on the French “Côte D’Azure”. This gave him the idea to open his own winery at the Buçaco Palace, starting to produce varieties that would come to be known as the glorious “Buçaco wines”. In the early 20th century, one of the most interesting pages on Portuguese wine was created, the wine that was to become a much-envied icon, but which was always intentionally kept out of the limelight. Its creator, Alexandre de Almeida, adopted the concept of linking luxury hotels to a winery with their own wine. If we look back, ever since the first harvests we realized the importance of this icon that was served to kings, queens and heads of state, as proven by menus, proudly kept at the Hotel Palace Buçaco. Buçaco wines were just that: objects of culture limited to very restricted circles, the elite. Their fantastic and noble labels still bear the symbol of their nobility to this day and age. The Buçaco wines were and still are always produced in the same way using the same methods as in the past. The fact that the grapes come from the Dão and Bairrada regions guarantees a wonderful wine that nobly develops in the bottle. If you happen to visit this unique 5* Hotel, just North of Coimbra(between Lisbon and Porto) you will be in for an experience. Situated in the Bussaco National Forest, this 5-star hotel occupies the hunting palace of the last Portuguese kings. Palace Hotel do Bussaco is an excellent example of Manueline-Gothic architecture. Its richly decorated corridors feature antique furnishings, large paintings and traditional Portuguese glazed tiles. Its elegant restaurant offers a range of exclusive Bussaco wines(only). Classic French cuisine and traditional Portuguese dishes are served at Palace Hotel do Bussaco’s restaurant. It is decorated with paintings by João Vaz, Moorish ceilings and exotic hardwood floors. Guests can try a glass of rare Port vintage at the bar. Fantastic experience with amazing wines -
Is with wines like this one that you start uncovering the great potential of Douro wines. 'Castas Escondidas' translates as 'hidden varieties' and showcases old-vines, field-blend fruit and some of the lesser known grape varieties of the Douro Valley. What makes this drop a superior wine is not only the great quality of the terroir, region characteristics, the field blend vines used but most importantly the high intervention from skilled winemakers producing this wine. With all of these movements happening which by all means are fantastic such as natural wines, low intervention and so on, memories can be short and people will have some tendency to forget that winemakers spent hundreds of years studying the production of wine going by the scientific name of oenology and therefore they are oenologists with the main purpose being interventionists in every single process of the wine production!!! oh dear, I feel I am opening a can of worms here... As the magician himself describes “Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas was designed to stage the varieties commonly used in batches of Port Wine, but rarely explored and which result in a perfect combination with other more well-known varieties” , says Luís Sottomayor, the winemaker responsible for Sogrape wines in the Douro. . “The small percentage of grapes harvested from old vines gives even more special characteristics to the final batch” Great with for special occasions, quality red meats and cheeses. Be responsible and drink this wine moderately as it is one of a kind -
In 1988, A Danish-American couple, Hans and Carrie Jorgensen set out in a sailboat to find a place to start a family and plant vines. They came to Alentejo and they found “Cortes de Cima.” It was just a barren land and a few abandoned buildings. But Carrie, of Portuguese ancestry, said the landscape reminded her of California, her homeland. Hans, who was born in Denmark, fell in love with the Mediterranean sun. Their first wine was "born" in 1998 and the many successful vintages which followed as well as their pioneering spirit have put Cortes de Cima on the map. The main grape used is Aragonez (Spanish call it Tempranillo). It has a overt nose of fresh cherries, red plum, dark fruits and a lick of black liquorice. It is vibrant and well-rounded on the palate with good acidity and body. There is so much to love about this wine. One of my favourites enjoy!! -
This blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Tinta Roriz, and Alicante Bouschet lives up to its name. With an intense rubi colour, this wine presents itself with a great concentration in the nose. Extremely rich aroma with predominance of red ripe fruits and some floral notes, well integrated with notes of spices coming from the ageing in French and American oak barrels. In the mouth it shows great complexity with notes of plums and blackberries. The finish is rich and elegant. Excellent wine for hearty spiced meals with red grilled or roast meat, lamb and game dishes. Enjoy! -
With the Conciso Branco, Niepoort have once again succeeded in creating a fresh and elegant white wine from the Dão region which shows off the potential of its old vines and granite terroir. The grapes come from the Quinta da Lomba, which has exceptionally old vineyards, with some vines being almost a century old with average altitude of 80 meters above sea level. These sites are planted predominantly with Bical, Encruzado and Malvasia, among other indigenous grape varieties of the region. Suggested dishes featuring cod and other oily fish. Pairs well with local sausages and is a great accompaniment for cheese from the “Serra da Estrela” or other buttery creamy cheeses. -
Easy to drink and Portuguese through and through. Great companion to any celebration and can easily keep up. People pleaser is the word that comes to mind. Would suggest this one for weddings or any events, as it will deliver. Well priced and won't empty your pockets. Get it, enjoy it....responsibly obviously! Easy meals, canapes and cured meats with soft cheeses will go down well with this wine. Keep it confidential and do NOT tell anyone about this wine. It's our secret. -
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Since 2011 Herdad da Lisboa(name of the Qunta), has been the place of the Cardoso Family in Vidigueira, in the Baixo Alentejo sub-region. A place where the modernity of the winery intersects with the tradition of the Alentejo cellars and where the diversity of viticulture is added to the permanent evolution of oenology. The Serra do Mendro, located to the north of Vidigueira, creates a natural barrier that favors the retention of fresh winds from the Atlantic Ocean, causing greater rainfall and large thermal amplitudes. Cold mornings and nights and hot days promote a balanced maturation of the grapes, preserving their freshness and natural acidity. The gentle slopes and elevations of the landscape, as well as the clay-schist soils bring minerality, freshness and diversity to the wines of Herdade da Lisboa. The approximately 100 hectares of vineyards at Herdade da Lisboa express the producer's deep respect for nature, integrating several sustainable practices, which allow optimizing the consumption of essential resources, such as water and energy. Natural grass, mechanical weed cutting to avoid the use of herbicides, close surveillance of pests, use of solar panels, its own weather station and probes for measuring soil humidity and temperature are some of the techniques and equipment used. It goes very well with fish and seafood dishes, salads or Asian dishes. -
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Quinta Do Crasto is a winery dating back more than a century, and owned by the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette. The name comes from the Latin “castrum” which means “Roman fortress”. The Roquette are the fourth generation of the family and they don’t just make still wines, they also produce fortified Port wines and extra virgin olive oil from their 130 hectares of land lying at almost 600 metres of altitude and forming part of the extraordinary Douro Valley landscape. A versatile red that makes the perfect transition from main course to cheese. On its own? Why not -
This blend of Aragonez, Syrah and Pinot Noir results from the fusion of two distinct terroirs, where the Mediterrean climate of the Alentejan interior meets the cool maritime climate of the Alentejan Atlantic coast. Pinot Noir, grown in sandy soils in our cool, Alentejan Atlantic coastal vineyards, provides freshness and elegance to balance the fruit generosity of the Aragonez and Syrah grown further inland, on the ancient clay over limestone soils surrounding the Estate. Viticulture here is certified sustainable. Attractive lifted red berry fruit aromas, with a touch of vanilla. Vibrant fruit on the palate, juicy and intense, finishing with a nice acidity. -
Excellent alternative for Burgundy 1er cru's or Villages.
This wine was born from Arinto vines around 30 years old and very old vines from Bical and Cercial. It is a different approach to these grapes and to the expression of the clay-limestone soils and the Atlantic climate of the region. The 2018 harvest turns the page to a more complex and creamy profile but with the lightness and freshness of always.
The producer Nuno Mira do Ó is passionate about authentic wines that are able to translate the “terroir” where they come from, made with indigenous grape varieties, with minimal intervention and respect for nature, with the potential to age and especially that provide pleasure to those who drink them
Excellent to accompany soft cheeses, cod, octopus and white meats.
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Nuno's philosophy is in keeping with this. In his own words, his wines are "a pursuit for balance with the utmost respect for nature".
Think of Doravante as an old-school claret, with lighter red fruit flavour and fresh pencil shaving mineral character. The blend is Baga and the better-known Touriga Nacional, fresh and elegant and long. So delicious and such an exciting region of Portugal.
Excellent served with strong dark meat and game dishes
