Back to our roots …
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The very first wines bought and sold by The Wine Society back in 1874 were from Portugal. Following our very successful tasting in November, our current offer of almost 40 great Portuguese wines, ranging in price from £5.50 to £18.50, plus some excellent vintage Ports, is attracting much interest from writers. Examples to have recently appeared in the press include:
Quinta da Rigodeira 2005, Bairrada (£7.25)
Big, dark and fruity, with a solid backbone provided by one of Portugal’s trickier native grape varieties, baga. (Andrew Neather – Evening Standard)
Unusual intensity for the price. Lovely stuff – not too austere – based on Baga, the usually tough grape of this northern Portuguese region. Admirably healthy fruit. (Jancis Robinson – Financial Times, jancisrobinson.com)
… big-hearted red, … brimming with redcurrant and Victoria plum, somewhat claret-like with a surprisingly elegant finish. Modern Bairrada for drinking with roast poultry or game birds. (Susy Atkins – The Daily Telegraph)
Quintas dos Roques Reserva, Dão 2003 (£18.50)
At its best, the Dão region of Portugal makes so
me rich but elegant reds that are highly distinctive. From a warm vintage, this powerful, broad-shouldered wine is full of dark, ripe fruit and would be very comfortable with a hearty, herby stew or a plate of sausages. (David Williams – Observer Food Monthly)
Cedro do Noval 2007, Vinho Regional Duriense (£14.95)
Really quite classy, this is from the heartlands of the Douro valley, made by top port producer Quinta do Noval from traditional port varieties plus some syrah. It’s fat and sweet with solid structure — very satisfying. (Andrew Neather – Evening Standard)
If you think The Wine Society pricey, the Alandra NV from Herdade de Esporão, a moreishly damsony Portuguese tinto, £5.95, should change preconceptions. (Anthony Rose – The Independent, anthonyrosewine.com)
Quinta das Maias 2008 Dao (£10.95)
Get a load of this. It’s a really great Portuguese red, from the Dao region, and it’s brilliant value for money. I love the freshness, grip and definition. Quinta das Maias 2008 Dao, 13.5% alcohol. 55% jaen, 20% touriga nacional, 10% alfrocheiro, 10% tinta amarela, 5% tinta roriz. Lovely firm dark cherry nose with some savoury, meaty notes. Spicy and vibrant. The palate is really fresh with bright, dark cherry fruit and good definition. Precise with some tannic grip, and good acidity to boot. Brilliantly fresh, peppery and quite elegant. An appealing savoury style. (Jamie Goode – wineanorak.com)
