Portugal, a country with a rich history and a deep-rooted wine tradition, is celebrated for its remarkable red wines. From the sun-soaked vineyards of the Douro Valley to the lush landscapes of Alentejo, Portuguese winemakers have perfected the art of producing exceptional red wines. In this article, we will explore some of the best Portuguese red wine brands, each with its unique characteristics and flavors.
Portugal's two main red wine regions are the Douro Valley and the Alentejo. Each region produces its own unique style of red wine.
The Douro Valley is Portugal's most famous wine region, and it is home to the legendary Port wine. The Douro reds are typically made from a blend of indigenous grapes, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. These wines are known for their intense color, aroma and flavor, with notes of dark fruits, spices, herbs and oak. Some of the top-rated Douro reds are:
1. Palato do Côa Grande Reserva Douro Superior 2014
Palato do Côa Grande Reserva Douro Superior 2014 is a highly acclaimed red wine from Portugal’s Douro region. It has been awarded a Platinum medal and a score of 97 points by the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. The wine is produced from old vines in a field blend, and its richness is tempered by the acidity from blackberry and black currant flavors. Palato do Côa Grande Reserva Douro Superior 2014 is described as having flamboyant dark chocolate, liquorice, and black cherry aromatics with a delicious savory black olive caponata undertone. It is velvety and smooth with melting tannins and a touch of warming spice adding to the complexity.
2. Quinta do Paral Reserva 2017
Quinta do Paral Reserva 2017 is a highly rated red wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It has been awarded a Gold medal and a score of 95 points by the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. The wine is produced from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Aragonez. Quinta do Paral Reserva 2017 is described as having elegant aromas of cedar, plum, tobacco, and bitter chocolate with a supple, fruit-filled palate with rich tannins and a long, savory finish.
3. ASDA Extra Special Douro 2017
ASDA Extra Special Douro 2017 is a notable Portuguese red wine known for its exceptional quality and affordability. Produced in the Douro Valley, this wine is part of ASDA's Extra Special range, which is known for offering premium options at a reasonable price point.
The Douro 2017 vintage is a blend of indigenous grape varieties, typically including Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, which are known for their rich, fruity character. This wine offers a deep, ruby-red color with a complex bouquet of dark fruit, spice, and subtle oak notes. On the palate, it presents a well-balanced structure, with ripe fruit flavors, integrated tannins, and a harmonious finish.
ASDA's commitment to sourcing quality wines ensures that the Extra Special Douro 2017 provides a taste of Portugal's winemaking tradition while remaining accessible to a wide range of wine lovers. This red wine is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the flavors of the Douro region without breaking the bank.
Another region that produces excellent red wines in Portugal is Alentejo, located in the south of the country. The Alentejo reds are usually made from a mix of local and international grapes, such as Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Syrah. These wines are characterized by their smoothness, richness and warmth, with notes of ripe berries, plums, chocolate and vanilla. Some of the top-scoring Alentejo reds are:
1. Carmim 'Monsaraz' Reserva 2017
Carmim ‘Monsaraz’ Reserva 2017 is a highly rated red wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It has been awarded a Gold medal and a score of 91 points by the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. The wine is produced near the picturesque town of Reguengos de Monsaraz and is a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, and Touriga Nacional grape varieties. Carmim ‘Monsaraz’ Reserva 2017 is described as having rich black fruits with pepper and spice notes from both alcohol and wood aging. It also has attractive acidity, making it a well-structured and powerful wine.
2. Comenda Grande Reserva 2014
Comenda Grande Reserva 2014 is a red wine from the Alentejo region in Portugal. According to Portugal Vineyards, it has an intense garnet color with a fine, complex aroma where mature fruit stands out with a hint of jam combined with vanilla and the light spices of the wooden surroundings. It has a full-bodied taste, denoting a solid structure, slightly acidic with soft tannins, with a prolonged, persistent after-taste, revealing all its complexity and balance.
Comenda Grande Reserva 2014 is considered one of the best Portuguese red wines by Advanced Mixology. The flavors of grape varieties like Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet are wonderfully blended into this high-quality wine. It is rich in taste and has an outstanding balance.
3. Herdade do Peso Trinca Bolotas Alicante Bouschet-Touriga Nacional-Aragonez 2018
Herdade do Peso Trinca Bolotas Alicante Bouschet-Touriga Nacional-Aragonez 2018 is a medium-bodied red wine blend from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It is made up of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, and Aragonez grape varieties. The combination of these grapes results in a wine that strikes a perfect balance between fruitiness, structure, and finesse. According to a review by Natalie MacLean, this wine has a score of 88/100 and is described as a rich, smoky and spicy wine with flavors of fresh blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, sweet dried tobacco leaf, savory herbs, and smoky spicy flavors on the palate. The wine has an alcohol content of 14%.
Conclusion
Portugal's rich wine heritage and diverse terroirs have given rise to some of the world's most extraordinary red wines. These serve as just a glimpse into the best Portuguese red wine brands, each offering a unique expression and allure of its own. Whether you lean towards the robust reds of the Douro Valley or the elegant wines from Alentejo, Portugal presents an array of choices for wine lovers to explore and relish. So, raise your glass and delight in the flavors of Portugal's finest red wines, a true reflection of the country's deep-seated passion for winemaking and its enduring cultural traditions.
And there are many more discoveries to be made in other regions, including Dão, Bairrada, Lisboa, and Tejo. Portugal is a treasure trove of red wines that promises a captivating journey through a spectrum of flavors and sensations. Cheers!
Please watch the video below to learn more about 12 Portuguese Wines from the Douro.