Portuguese Wine

Portuguese Wines from Great Wines Direct

Portuguese wine has long been a staple on supermarket shelves and has also been around for centuries having been introduced to the region by some of the most ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Carthaginians, Phoenicians and Romans.

During the time of the Roman Empire, Portugal had first begun exporting wines to Rome, although the modern wine export industry began in 1703 following the Methuen Treaty.

It was as a result of this treaty and the subsequent wine trade with England that many different varieties of wine began to be cultivated here. Today, there are two UNESCO protected wine producing regions in Portugal – the Pico Island region and the Douro Valley region. There are many local kinds of wines, all with their own distinctive personalities.

For many years, wine has been one of Portugal's most noteworthy exports, and today it is the 7th biggest wine exporter in the world in terms of value.

Its Vinho Verde region is well known and is located in the country's north west area. It took its name from the fact that the grapes used to make wine in this region are green, or under-ripe. Today, wines from this region are the most exported of all Portuguese wines following Port. White wines are most popular, however Portugal also produces some good reds and, occasionally, roses. The Vinho Alvarinho is one especially notable variety with a higher alcohol content which can only be produced under EU law in one small Monaco sub region.

While once thought of as bitter tasting, Douro wines come from the region that is best known for its port wines. However, they are now becoming more popular thanks to their similar traits to the port that is cultivated nearby.

Read

White 12

Crasto Flor de Crasto White 2024 75cl £12.40

Pale lemon in colour, with lively passion fruit aromas and elegant notes of orange blossom Seductive on the palate, evolving into a balanced, medium volume wine, with a medium structure and fresh mineral hints Engaging, vibrant and lingering finish

Red 14.5

Crasto Touriga Nacional 2020 75cl £50.23

Crasto's varietal Touriga Nacional comes from two of Crasto's higher-altitude vineyards, averaging 300m elevation There is an array of individual plots, and the winemaking team can select those best-suited to the growing season: in warmer years, those facing north and east fare better, while in cooler conditions plots with southerly or westerly aspect are selected This has a classy, cool blueberry, black cherry fruit character with a seasoning of vanilla, white pepper and cream After a little time in the glass, glorious spiced lily, freesia and honeysuckle scents emerge The expressive aromas, succulent texture and fabulous purity and finesse make this really irresistible straight away But if by dint of some superhuman self-control you manage to keep some back, it will undoubtedly reward cellaring

White 12

Aveleda Solos de Xisto 2023 75cl £18.47

One of a fascinating pair of Alvarinho wines from Vinho Verde This is from vines grown exclusively on vineyards over schist (xisto) bedrock While true to Vinho Verde's overall fresh style, this is relatively rich-textured, complex and nuanced It has succulent flavours of ripe peach and apricot, with the tang of sherbet lemon Schist is a metamorphic rock that fractures easily, allowing the vine roots to penetrate deep into the ground, ensuring a steady supply of water Its dark colour means it absorbs the sun's heat and re-radiates it at night, giving a 'double-ripening' effect

White 12.5

Artolas Vinho Branco 2024 75cl £9.10

Refreshing nose of tropical fruit and citrus notes, with emphasis on the passionfruit character The palate is bright with mineral notes and has a long, lemony finish This is a very enjoyable, easy drinking white wine perfect for a party

Red 14

Roquette and Cazes Douro Tinto 2022 75cl £27.73

A really aromatic expression of Douro with fresh wild berries, plum and baking spices aromas and flavours Though it is certainly full-bodied, unlike some Douro wines it is incredibly fresh on the palate, with silky tannins that give a real sense of balance

White 12.5

Crasto Douro White 2024 75cl £14.83

The chances are that you won't have heard of any of the grapes in this Portuguese white, but this lip-smacking blend of Gouveio, Roupeiro and Rabigato grapes is certainly worth discovering It's a wine made by the Quinta do Crasto, one of the best winemakers in the famous wine-making Douro Valley, in the north of Portugal This tantalising blend makes a very modern wine, with a crisp, fresh taste, flavours of citrus - look out for asparagus - and a lovely fresh-cut-grass scent Drink it on its own, or give your guests a glass or two and let its refreshing flavours match up with a goats' cheese salad, salmon risotto or grilled fish

White 11

Quinta da Lixa QL Loureiro 2024 75cl £9.31

"Floral, fresh and zingy with fruity notes A well-balanced wine with a delightfully long finish "

Red 13

Crasto Douro Red Half 2022 37.5cl £8.28

Opaque red in colour with aromas of red berry fruit and subtle oak On the palate it has a perfect balance of bright, juicy red fruit, with satisfying weight of texture and the merest suggestion of well-integrated oak on the finish A superbly well made, moreish wine to enjoy with hearty mushroom or lamb dishes, and it's also a contender for the title of Perfect Barbecue Red

Red 19.5

Noval Unfiltered LBV 2018 75cl £31.04

Wonderfully pure fruit and great structure on this savoury, unfiltered LBV port: plums and dried fruit, with heady spice on the nose

Red 14.5

Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa Double-Magnum 2018 300cl £796.81

A very special wine that is only made in outstanding vintages from an historic east-facing vineyard planted with at least 49 vine varieties Intense, vibrant violet colour On the nose there is great depth and complexity, with aromas of wild forest flowers, white pepper and soft dark chocolate On the palate it is upfront yet in perfect harmony It is full-bodied and richly flavoured, with superb tannin, acid and fruit balance Intense, wild forest flowers and integrated oak and spice contribute to its impressive palate structure and length Only a few double-magnums were filled, and this is exceptionally rare

White 11.5

Herdade do Rocim, Rocim Amphora White, Alentejo 2024 75cl £26.87

This naturally vinified wine is golden in colour and has a complex bouquet of orange blossom together with smoky, spicy and peachy aromas, layered and creamy on the palate through to a fresh, saline finish

Red 14

Herdade do Rocim, Alentejano, Mariana Red 2024 75cl £14.96

Vibrant aromas of strawberry with a hint of fresh violets are complemented by subtle spicy and chocolate notes on the juicy and silky palate A captivating Portuguese red from the Alentejo region, Herdade do Rocim 'Mariana' showcases the elegance of native varietals. Vibrant aromas of strawberry with a hint of fresh violets are complemented by subtle spicy and chocolate notes on the juicy and silky palate. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, this wine pairs effortlessly with roasted meats, game, and rich Mediterranean dishes. A refined choice for those seeking authentic character and approachable complexity.

White 13

Reguengo de Melgaco, Vinho Verde, Alvarinho, Minho 2024 75cl £22.43

Reguengo de Melgaco's Alvarinho Vinho Verde captures the essence of Portugal's Minho region with crisp minerality and vibrant citrus notes. This vintage showcases the distinctive character of Alvarinho, a noble white varietal prized for its complexity and food-friendly profile. Expect bright acidity, stone fruit aromatics, and a subtle salinity that reflects its Atlantic terroir.

Red 19.5

Quinta do Vallado, Douro, LBV Porto 2019 75cl £24.50

An elegant Port with ample notes of black fruits, cassis and black cherry enveloped by a delicious spicy feel Soft, with mature tannins this is long and harmonious

Red 12

Herdade do Rocim, Rocim Amphora Red, Alentejo 2024 75cl £26.88

Aromatic notes of black cherry, raspberry, plum and delicate vegetal notes lead to a textured palate and culminating in a tangy and balsamic finish

White 12

Pegoes, Santo Isidro White, Peninsula de Setubal 75cl £9.98

A richly flavoured white wine with flavours of tropical fruit and toasted pineapple through to a spicy finish