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Across Portugal’s varied landscape grapevines are a constant. Thriving alternately in foggy Atlantic-influenced climates and the country’s warm southern interior, Portugal’s vast wealth of terroirs and more than 250 indigenous grape varieties have made the Iberian nation a must-know destination for historical wine connoisseurs and contemporary drinkers alike.
Today, the region’s wines build on their famous heritage in the glass while showcasing the potential of sustainability initiatives in the wine industry: Portugal’s national sustainability certification has approved over twenty boundary-pushing projects in less than two years, and it is unique in evaluating each project’s social and economic impacts in addition to environmental concerns.
As the world’s fourth-largest grape-producing country and ninth-largest wine producer, Portugal is uniquely positioned to lead the way. Recently, leading producers including Sogrape have re-introduced polyclonal selection in their vineyards, which acts as an insurance policy of sorts against inclement weather by including a range of grape clones in each vineyard. Similarly, environmental programs in the Alentejo region have been capturing the attention of viticulturists from leading global institutions like UC Davis and for their innovative and effective approaches.
From popularizing fortified wines to crafting top-notch dry reds and vibrant whites, Portugal remains a bellwether centuries after it first made waves with early Ports and Madeiras. These five bottles showcase Portugal’s liquid heritage through a modern lens, offering a delicious and environmentally friendly glimpse into the country’s legendary terroir.
Anticiclone Tinto
Made by José Maria da Fonseca, the first company in Portugal to obtain the Environmental Certification (ISO 14001), Anticiclone Tinto is a sophisticated red blend that epitomizes Portugal’s viticultural combination of heritage and innovation. Named for the sub-tropical wind pattern that gives Portuguese wine regions their specific climates, the Anticiclone Red showcases the warmth of the country’s Setubal Peninsula. Made from the native Castelão and Arragonês varieties, Anticiclone is a fresh, medium-bodied red with distinctive verve across the palate. Simultaneously powerful yet refreshing, it’s ideal alongside grilled meats and rich comfort food.
Imported by: Tri-Vin Imports Inc. – www.tri-vin.com. Anticiclone Tinto: SRP $17 / bottle
Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande 2021
Casa Ferreirinha has represented the Douro Valley around the world for decades, and remains a beacon for Douro. The 2021 Vinha Grande is a traditional Douro blend, leaning heavily on Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, which give the wine its intense and distinctive red and black fruit flavors. Across the full-bodied palate, the wine boasts intense spicy notes and a well-integrated oak element, before firm tannins lead to the smooth finish. On the table, it’s a natural match for roasted red meats and sharp aged cheeses, and continues to showcase the history and potential of the Douro’s non-fortified wines.
Imported by: Evaton Inc. Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande 2021: SRP $19.99 / bottle
CARMIM Reguengos Tinto 2022
From one of Portugal’s leading cooperative wineries, which includes over 700 independent farmers, the Reguengos Tinto is a beautiful snapshot of the Alentejo region. Here, rolling hills are dotted with ancient oaks and cork trees and local farmers’ Trincadeira, Aragonez and Castelão grapes ripen to perfection under the Mediterranean sun. The 2022 vintage is a clear garnet in the glass, with prominent aromas of black and red fruits supported by a full body and soft tannins that linger on the long finish. Just as CARMIM has become synonymous with Alentejo’s winemaking tradition, Reguengos is quickly becoming the bottled calling card of this special part of Portugal.
Imported by: Tri-Vin Imports Inc. – www.tri-vin.com. Carmim Reguengos Tinto 2022: SRP $10 / bottle
Herdade De Peso Revelado 2020
In the historic village of Vidigueira, Herdade do Peso continues the winemaking tradition first established by the Romans across their estate vineyard. The Revelado Red is the product of their estate, crafted to showcase the depth and potential of Vidigueira specifically and the Alentejo at large. The rich, powerful 2020 combines Alicante Bouschet with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, deftly showing how international grapes thrive in this sub-zone of Southern Portugal. Aged in French oak for 12 months, the final wine is sleek and contemporary balancing sun-soaked fruit flavors with baking spice in an elegant red.
Imported by: Evaton Inc. Herdade De Peso Revelado 2020: SRP $25 / bottle
Quinta Do Noval Touriga Nacional 2021
Renowned for their Port wines for centuries, Quinta do Noval’s Touriga Nacional is a stunning dry interpretation of their terroir. Widely considered the country’s flagship red grape variety, Touriga Nacional is known for its small berries which give the wines their dense color and firm tannic structure. In the Quinta do Noval 2021, aromas of wild blackberries and plum harmonize with dark chocolate and baking spices before the silken palate reveals a medley of fruit and spice flavors underlined by fine, lingering tannins.
Imported by: VINTUS – www.vintuswines.com. Quinta do Noval Touriga Nacional 2021: SRP $62 / bottle
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