Best Portuguese wine to buy
With value at the forefront of our minds, it will come as no surprise to learn that discount retailer, Aldi, is responsible for two thirds of all Douro reds sold in the UK, selling almost three bottles every 60 seconds.
“The beauty of Portuguese wines is that they are made from a treasure trove of unique, indigenous grape varieties, and produce wines that you really can’t buy from anywhere else in the world,” explains Sam Caporn, wine expert and mistress of wine at Aldi.
“They are characterful, distinctive, delicious, and surprisingly good value, which helps to explain why Portuguese wine is having ‘something of a moment’ and stepping into the spotlight.”
How we test Portuguese wine
As part of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards, our panel of 10 WSET-accredited experts and consumers sampled 12 bottles of Portuguese white, red and rosé wine (you’ll also be able to find our top-rated port here).
They considered a range of styles, looking for wines that were a good representation of their grape variety. Each was assessed on its complexity, flavour and finish.
Here’s our pick of the best Portuguese wine for 2023.
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1
Best Portuguese wine
Pérola do Lima Vinho Verde
Score: 96/100
Picking up nearly full marks with our panel, this Portuguese white wine offers excellent value for money. Crisp and zesty, with a light spritz, there are hints of elderflower, alongside fresh citrus and green apple.
Key specificationsGrapeArinto, Loureiro, TrajaduraABV11.5%
2
Runner-up Portuguese wine
Bowl Grabber Alvarinho
Score: 94/100
We all know we’re supposed to hold our wine glass by the stem, rather than the bowl, but, as the name suggests, this easy-going brand doesn’t do old-fashioned etiquette.
The vibrant, fruity wine speaks for itself, appealing to our panel with its zesty citrus notes and saline edge. Team with olives for a refreshing aperitif or buy by the 1.5L box if you’re hosting larger gatherings.
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3
Best Portuguese red wine
Lidl Azinhaga de Ouro Portugese Red DOC Douro Reserva
Score: 90/100
You’ll need to head in-store for this top-rated Douro red, but we think it’s worth the trip. Fruit-forward, fairly full-bodied and oh-so-easy drinking, it ticks a lot of boxes, especially at this price. It’s also a wine for all seasons, pairing with both barbecued or roast beef.
Key specificationsGrapeTouriga Franca, Tinta RorizABV14.5%
4
Runner-up Portuguese red wine
Rocksand Shiraz
Score: 86/100
Trade in your beloved Aussie shiraz and take a punt on this seriously smooth Portuguese stunner instead. The concentrated, jammy black fruit is undeniable, but this full-bodied red also benefits from the fresh coastal breeze.
Four months in oak adds complexity, via notes of black olive, leather and black pepper and vanilla. Superb!
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5
Aldi Mimo Moutinho Portuguese Dão
Score: 86/100
This inexpensive Portuguese red from Aldi offers excellent value. It champions indigenous grapes such as the highly tannic and aromatic touriga nacional, so you can expect a meaty, satisfying wine with lashings of black fruit, and a touch of black pepper to finish.
Key specificationsGrapeTouriga Nacional-blend ABV13%
6
Best budget Portuguese wine
Lidl Torre De Ferro Rose Wine Dao DOC
Score: 83/100
As we’ve discovered, Portugal is a top choice for picking up a bargain, and Lidl’s smooth, supple rosé is exceptionally versatile.
More robust than anything you’ll find from Provence, the palate is dominated by rich cherries, layers of blackberries and chewy, food-friendly tannins.
Key specificationsGrapeTouriga Nacional, Tinta RorizABV12.5%
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7
Aldi Specially Selected Douro
Score: 82/100
We think this wine showcases the terroir of the Douro at its best — and all with plenty of change from ten pounds. It’s made with the same grapes as is traditionally used in port and creates a similarly rich, brambly wine, with a touch of sweet cassis.
Key specificationsGrapeTouriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga NacionalABV13.5%
Score: 81/100
When it comes to Portuguese white wines, vinho verde (or “green wine” as it translates), is the epitome of the country’s inexpensive, yet excellent value wine scene.
Fresh and crisp with thirst-quenching acidity, it’s the perfect pairing for salad and seafood, and the naturally low ABV makes it particularly well suited to long, lazy lunches in the sun. However, don’t discount it for winter – the slight spritz also means it’s a top aperitif alternative.
Key specificationsGrapeLoureiro, Trajadura, ArintoABV9.5%
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9
Kopke Sao Luiz Douro White
Score: 80/100
Next up we have a white wine from the Douro, which should appeal to those who like a creamy chardonnay, or a weighty white Rioja.
The herbaceous nose displays refreshing coastal salinity, with plenty of acidity, followed by a richly textured, long finish. We’ll be surprised if you can resist a second glass…
Key specificationsGrapeArinto, Gouveio, Rabigato, ViosinhoABV13%
Score: 78/100
Crisp and light, with zippy lemon and lime zest, pinot grigio fans should take note. Testers loved the grassy notes that are so typical of vinho verde, and found it really well-balanced, with hints of tart gooseberry and fresh green apple.
Key specificationsGrapeLoureiro, PadeneraABV12%
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11
Chosen by Majestic Vinho Verde DOC
Score: 78/100
The “Chosen By Majestic” range is a good place to uncover a bargain. Piggybacking on the popularity of vinho verde, this wine perfectly encapsulates what we love about the region — intense freshness, mouth-watering acidity, a little residual sweetness that adds balance, and a light spritz on the finish.
Key specificationsGrapeLoureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, AvessoABV11%
12
M&S Found Alicante Bouschet
Score: 78/100
We love the “M&S Found” range for discovering exciting regions and varietals that may not be our usual go-to. Here, the complex alicante bouschet grape shines with an array of red and black fruit, building to spicy, smoky flavours, and a touch of dark chocolate, leather and spice on the finish.
It would be delicious with lamb, but there’s also plenty going on for it to be enjoyed as a standalone sipper.
Key specificationsGrapeAlicante BouschetABV14%
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13
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Douro White
Score: 76/100
Made by Portugal’s well-regarded Symington Family Estates (more of which below), this blend of indigenous grapes offers a lot for the price.
Luscious and richly textured, there’s fragrant blossom, ripe peach and refreshing citrus, with a clean mineral edge running throughout.
14
Symington Florao Portuguese Red
Score: 75/100
Here we have a slightly more premium offering from Symington, as it moves outside of the Douro region.
Meaty and weighty, this intense red is dominated by blackberry, with a hint of leather, coffee and black pepper, adding to the overall structure. A top choice to have on hand for a variety of food pairings.
Key specificationsGrapeTempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro, Field blend (old vines), Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Touriga NacionalABV14%
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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