Portugal Explorer's Case

A journey of discovery through the wines and regions of Portugal. A 6 bottle Mixed Case containing 6 different Portuguese wines, 3 white and 3 red.

For centuries Portugal has been most famous for the production of Port and historically many of us Brits have only really drunk Portuguese still wines when we've been over there on holiday. Over the last 10-20 years there has been a boom in wines from Portugal available on UK shelves, and the quality has only got better and better. However wine has been made in Portugal since at least the Roman times and there are numerous varieties and regions to discover. Our Explorer's Case showcases what this wonderfully diverse and exciting wine producing country has to offer.

Vinho Verde is by far the most famous of Portugal's white wines and Quinta de Soalheiro are pretty much the best estate in the region, and the best producers of the Alvarinho grape (Albarino across the river in Spain) in the country, so what better way to show what Vinho Verde can be with their top quality single varietal. The Douro Valley, famed for the production of Port, producers a wide range of robust reds and fruity white still wines as well. From the renowned Port producing Symington family we have one of each made from local varieties that gives a great insight into what is being achieved in this extreme and rugged region.

Heading only a little further south we reach the old wine area of the Dão plateau. Here the wines are different again. From the highly regarded estate of Quinta dos Roques we have a single variety white made with the local Encrizado grape. This wine demonstrates the fine wines that Portugal can produce and can easily be pitted against many an offering from Burgundy. A young and vibrant red made with the regional Jaen (Mencia in Spain) grape from Roques' sister estate of Quinta das Maias offers a great contrast to the other reds in the case and again demonstrates the diversity of Portugal's wine scene. The third red highlights the native variety Baga, from the Bairrada region, and the wonderfully rich and full-bodied wines this grape can produce (along with Mateus rosé...) with Aliança's Quinta da Dôna Classico a brilliant example.

So discover the wonderful world of Portuguese wines with our Portugal Explorer's Case!