...And to drink?
Recently, I had a bit of a run-in with someone about Portuguese wine. The person in question was upset because I’d described a Churchill’s Estates Touriga Nacional as ‘grippy and tannic’. He thought I was being rude when I was merely saying that it was too young to drink now. I’d even stated earlier that I liked the wine. He also accused me, and this really hurt, of having a problem with Portuguese wine. Nothing could be further from the truth. So, in order that no one can doubt my love of wine from Portugal, here are four excellent wines to try. You will not be disappointed.
Soalheiro Alvarinho 2012, £17.99: www.henningswine.co.uk
A very superior Vinho Verde, this, made entirely from Alvarinho, better known as Albariño in Spain. There are lemons and flowers; it’s bone dry with some real intensity, like you might get in a very good Riesling.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Douro Red 2012, £8.25: www.sainsburys.co.uk
This is made by one of Portugal’s most reliable producers, Quinta do Crasto. There’s a whiff of aniseed about it, which I always associate with Touriga Nacional – the famous grape of the Douro. It tastes meaty and full-flavoured.
Dom Martinho Quinta do Carmo 2009, £9.02: www.smithfieldwine.com
This is lovely. It smells of very fresh, crunchy fruit. In the mouth there’s a nice bit of tannin, some lively fruit and a long, nutty finish.
Churchill’s Estates Douro Red 2011, £11.90: www.tanners-wines.co.uk
This is the little brother of the wine that got me into trouble. Unlike that one, however, it’s ready to drink now. It’s fresh, spicy and a little bit fl oral, with some grip at the end (in a good way!).
Soalheiro Alvarinho 2012, £17.99: www.henningswine.co.uk
A very superior Vinho Verde, this, made entirely from Alvarinho, better known as Albariño in Spain. There are lemons and flowers; it’s bone dry with some real intensity, like you might get in a very good Riesling.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Douro Red 2012, £8.25: www.sainsburys.co.uk
This is made by one of Portugal’s most reliable producers, Quinta do Crasto. There’s a whiff of aniseed about it, which I always associate with Touriga Nacional – the famous grape of the Douro. It tastes meaty and full-flavoured.
Dom Martinho Quinta do Carmo 2009, £9.02: www.smithfieldwine.com
This is lovely. It smells of very fresh, crunchy fruit. In the mouth there’s a nice bit of tannin, some lively fruit and a long, nutty finish.
Churchill’s Estates Douro Red 2011, £11.90: www.tanners-wines.co.uk
This is the little brother of the wine that got me into trouble. Unlike that one, however, it’s ready to drink now. It’s fresh, spicy and a little bit fl oral, with some grip at the end (in a good way!).