A wine treasure trove between the Atlantic and tradition
Portugal is one of Europe's most fascinating and still underrated wine regions, a true paradise for enthusiasts looking for authentic wines offering excellent value for money. Traditionally associated with Port and fortified wines, this country is undergoing a profound wine renaissance that has put its still red wines in the international spotlight. The extraordinary geographical and climatic diversity – from the cooler, rainier northern regions influenced by the Atlantic to the warmer, Mediterranean central and southern areas – is combined with a unique ampelographic heritage, with over 250 indigenous varieties offering aromatic and flavour profiles that cannot be found anywhere else. Our selection explores the different Portuguese wine regions, from the majestic Douro with its steep terraces to the cool Dão surrounded by mountains, from the emerging Alentejo with its sunny plains to the unique Bairrada, favouring producers who respectfully interpret the different terroirs and are contributing to the rediscovery of Portuguese wine identity, skilfully combining centuries-old tradition and modern techniques.
Touriga Nacional and native grape varieties: the Portuguese soul in a bottle
The beating heart of our collection is represented by Touriga Nacional, considered the most noble red grape variety in Portugal, which in the most suitable areas produces wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity. Originally from the Dão region but now grown throughout the country, Touriga Nacional is distinguished by an intense aromatic profile that combines concentrated dark fruits (blackberry, blueberry), floral notes of violet and bergamot, and a characteristic balsamic touch, supported by a powerful but refined tannic structure and good acidity that ensures balance and elegance despite its natural power. Our selection also highlights other fundamental indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Franca, which is more elegant and floral, Tinta Roriz (identical to Spanish Tempranillo), which brings structure and notes of ripe red fruit, Baga, the protagonist in Bairrada with its vigorous tannins and extraordinary ageing potential, and Alicante Bouschet, one of the few red varieties that achieves extraordinary quality in Alentejo, with deep, complex and highly concentrated wines.
From historic field blends to signature wines: tradition and innovation
A distinctive feature of Portuguese winemaking is the traditional “field blend”, historic vineyards where different varieties (sometimes up to 30) coexist and are vinified together, creating wines of extraordinary complexity that represent the most authentic expression of the terroir. This approach, particularly important in the Douro and Dão, is undergoing a rediscovery thanks to enlightened producers who have understood the inestimable value of these old vineyards. Our selection favours these authentic expressions of the territory alongside more modern interpretations, where single varieties or carefully studied blends express the vision of a new generation of winemakers. Particular attention is paid to wines from the Alentejo, a region that is experimenting with innovative approaches to combat global warming, such as the use of terracotta amphorae (talhas) for vinification, an ancient practice that today proves to be extraordinarily modern due to its ability to preserve freshness and elegance even in a hot climate. All these wines, carefully selected by our experts, represent a heritage of biodiversity, tradition and innovation that makes Portugal one of the most exciting wine destinations for lovers of authentic red wines with character.
