Daily Mail: Portuguese wines gained a bad reputation in the UK as they became associated with Mateus Rosé, the party staple of the 1960’s and 70’s. However, a recent interest has
arisen in Portuguese wines. Sales at Marks & Spencer have increased by 30% in the last year, while a 27% increase has been reported at Waitrose and a 23% one at Sainsbury’s. The trade body ViniPortugal, claim that the nation is now the world’s
9th largest wine exporter, with the industry worth more than £525 million last year. Sales to the UK rose 22% in 2019 alone. This upsurge of interest could be due to greater media coverage of Portuguese wines on TV food and travel
programmes. Another theory is due to current travel restrictions people are buying wines previously enjoyed on holiday in Portugal to remind them of happy times on the Algarve. Whatever the reason these wines are now regarded as a quality product at a good
price. Olly Smith, Wine Expert for the Mail on Sunday, says: “Their unique range of local grapes, geography and blending skill creates wines that taste like nowhere else on the planet.” His choices are:
Robust red: Tesco – Porta 6 2019 (£7.50) For a plush, bold, easy, berry-scented red this delivers the goods, with the bright label (picture of Lisbon tram) reflecting the informal, yet appealing, wine. One
of Lin and Les’ favourites!
Zippy white: Waitrose – Azevedo Vinho Verde 2019 (£8.99) Brisk, bright white with a spritz, it delivers finesse with lighter alcohol at 11.5%.
High Street Bargain: Aldi – Carlos Lucas Portuguese Dão 2018 (£5.99) Exceptional red blend for the price. Think of it as a lighter version of a Spanish Rioja with irresistible aromatic
fruit.
Fortified: Morrisons – The Best 10 Year Old Tawny Port (£12) Port isn’t just for Christmas and this bottle is beyond brilliant – think liquid sultanas. Serve
chilled.
Offbeat: Majestic – Planalto White Reserve 2018 (£6.99) Punchy light white from Douro Valley. With tropical refreshment and turbo zing, this is perfect to chill and sip.
(Article kindly supplied by Jan Powis)