Portugal: new finds, new vintages

Colourful: the Azores gets with it – fun fizz

I’ve been tasting for three days solid in Lisbon this week.  Today, my horizons widen as I head down south to Alentejo to explore its talha tradition (clay fermentation/maturation pots). One which is undergoing a mini-revival – more on that soon.  For now, here are some of this week’s eye-catching wines.

This, Luis Seabra’s second release, is a cracker from a great year for whites.  Wonderful precision and restraint.

Another lip-smacking example of Alvarinho – great line and length.

Three lovely Castelão from Pegos Claros, especially the Grande Reserva. From Palmela’s maritime influenced climate and deep sandy soils, they bore a spooky resemblance to some of the McLaren Vale warm climate Pinot Noirs a.k.a. Grenache which have graced these pages recently.

 As long and elegant as that feather!  Exemplary winemaking from Jorge Moreira.

I first came across this label a couple of years ago and it has proved to be very consistent and very good.  Friendly with no loss of character, it’s silky in the mouth with nice fruit weight and lively, mineral acidity.

An elegant red from the Douro boys in the (Dão neighbour)hood Messrs Moreira, Ozabal & Borges.

The labels tell it like it is.  Sensual Dão reds, one from a parcel of 100+ year old vines.  As for the other, couldn’t agree more – very moreish!

As for these fugitives, WANTED ought to be stamped all over this photo. This elegant, all new Dão white & red pair from Casa Passarella impressed, as did their O Oenólogo red and white.

Still the most authentic, interesting wines I’ve encountered from the Algarve – good to taste Guillaume Leroux’s white too.

Back to colour for these marvellous Moscatel de Setubal – Cuvee Adriano was particularly stunning – notes to follow!