There are many delectable Portuguese red wines that you simply don’t see regularly in the UK supermarkets. They range from award-winning full-bodied reds to tongue-tingling fun wines which are nonetheless, not to be overlooked.
However unless you’re a regular traveller to Portugal who is daring enough to sample the home-grown wines, you will probably only be familiar with the best Portuguese wine export to the UK – the delightfully light Mateus Rosé with its sweet pink glow and slight fizz. And it is lovely… hard to deny… but there are far more better offerings.
The extensive range and quality of Portuguese red wines may come as a surprise to many who don’t travel to the country. But in fact Portugal is home to hundreds of native wine grapes, from areas in the north such as the Douro, famous for Port wine, and the Dão, down to the southern region of the Alentejo. The climatic conditions of Portugal make it ideal for growing grapes that result in high quality wines at amazingly low prices.
As Portugal becomes an ever more popular tourist destination, loved by all for its laid back culture, stunning beaches and relative safety, we bring you the insider view of easy-to-come-by, good quality Portuguese red wines that you can find in most restaurants when you next holiday there – ranging from very a very palatable price to slightly more indulgent (and of course much cheaper when purchased in local supermarkets for drinking at home!).
1. Monte Velho 2015 Tinto
Formal description – A fresh, elegant fruity red with the aroma of wild berries wrapped in subtle spicy notes.
The reality – Like a trusty old friend, this satisfyingly smooth red can be relied on to complement tapas and meat dishes alike – and at an incredibly satisfying price.
- Region – Alentejo
- Alcohol content – 13.5%
- Portuguese supermarket price – approx £7
2. Chaminé 2013
Formal description – Soft, rich fruit on the palate, very full and fruity, with a good texture
The reality – A light, fruity red without oak overtures, that merely tingles the taste buds without being overwhelming – and a price to match.
Awards include:
Silver Medal– Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2016
Silver Medal– International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016
- Region – Alentejano
- Alcohol content – 13.5%
- Portuguese supermarket price – approx £8
3. Periquita Reserva 2010
Formal description – A medium ruby red with a wild berries aroma and a light oaky flavour balanced with fruits and vanilla.
The reality – A mellow, rich red with that toe-tingling hint of oak, which deserves savouring over a local cheese couvert or a hearty meat dish – and well worth the money.
Awards include:
Gold Medal – Concours Mondial De Bruxelles 2012
Silver Medal – Concours Mondial De Bruxelles 2011
Bronze Medal – Decanter Wine Awards 2011
Bronze Medal – International Wine & Spiris Competition 2011
- Region – Setúbal Peninsula
- Alcohol content – 13.2%
- Portuguese supermarket price – approx £10
4. Cortes de Cima Alentejo 2012
Formal description – full bodied red with spicy and savoury aromas, some vanilla notes and an elegant palate.
The reality – A daring wine, where the spices tease the taste buds and you’ll soon be reaching for another glass.
Awards include:
Silver Medal – Mundus Vini 2016
Silver Medal – Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2015
- Region – Alentejano
- Alcohol content – 14%
- Portuguese supermarket price – approx £13
5. Quinta do Carmo 2012
Formal description – a deep red colour with complex aromas of red fruits and traces of vanilla. It is a very balanced and elegant wine that has a good structure, concentrated flavours and soft tannins.
The reality – A flavoursome red which all red wine connoisseurs should treat themselves to – definitely worth that little bit extra.
Awards include:
Bronze Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015.
Bronze Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2014
Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2013
Gold Medal – Selections Mondiales des Canada 2012
- Region – Alentejano
- Alcohol content – 13.5%
- Portuguese supermarket price – approx £15
These 5 excellent Portuguese red wines are in fact just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the country has to offer. We hope you get to try all of these out when you next visit the country – and if you like or love them, we would be delighted if you left your comments below.
And of course tell us of other Portuguese red wines you love – and why. We’d be delighted to feature them (and you) in a subsequent post!
