Last year, I met with some wineries we work with in Bordeaux, looking to bring some old First Growth Bordeauxs in for the shop. During my few days there, I met with the folks at J.M Cazes, the family who own the infamous Lynch Bages as well as a few other very exciting wineries across the country. All their wines were fantastic - the Bordeauxs were classic, their Minervois project a triumph. Yet it was their collaboration with Portugal's renowned Quinta do Crasto that caught me most by surprise. 

Without further ado, here's the quick run down of Portugal's wine scene:

The Douro Valley, famous for its Port, also produces some exceptional dry red wines. Made from native grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and Touriga Franca, these wines are robust and full-bodied, often exhibiting complex flavours of dark fruits, spices, and a distinctive minerality. The region's steep terraced vineyards, schist soils, and extreme climate contribute to the intensity and character of these wines.

Moving to the Dão region, the dry red wines are typically elegant and balanced, with a distinct acidity that gives them great aging potential. The primary grape here is Touriga Nacional, but blends often include Jaen (Mencia), Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz. The granite soils and temperate climate help produce wines with a unique freshness and complexity.

In Alentejo, the dry red wines are known for their rich, ripe fruit flavours and smooth tannins. The hot, dry climate and diverse soil types, including clay, limestone, and schist, contribute to the bold and approachable style of these wines. Grape varieties like Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet dominate the blends.

For white wines, Vinho Verde stands out with its crisp, refreshing profile. Produced in the Minho region, Vinho Verde wines are often made from Alvarinho (Albariño), Loureiro, and Arinto grapes. These wines are light-bodied, with bright acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a slight effervescence.

We ended up importing the Portuguese reds tasted in Bordeaux. They're currently sitting in the shop's cellar, ready for customs to check that the labels are tickety-boo, and we can't wait to show you in a few weeks time. They are nothing short of outstanding. Get in touch if you'd like us to reserve some for you.