The best wines of Portugal for 2022

Real Portuguese wines have a unique multifaceted taste and aroma. However, in order not to make a mistake with the choice, you need to know how to choose the right wine for the price and tasting characteristics, what types there are. The article provides recommendations that will help you choose the best drinks, as well as a rating of quality wines, according to buyers.

Description

Portuguese wines have a long history of development; recently, companies are moving away from the centuries-old traditions of winemaking, introducing innovative technologies into production. At the same time, Portuguese wines are quite popular and have high quality indicators.

Classification

1. DOC (DOP). The most expensive category. For her, the boundaries of the growth of grape varieties, recommended varieties and their quality are clearly defined. That is why this category is the highest quality.
2. Vinho Regional (IG, IGP, VR). Regional, local wines, the requirements for them are slightly weaker than for the previous category.
3. Vinho de Mesa. The simplest, table wines. They are made outside the winemaking framework established in the country.

Tasting characteristics

Producers from the regions of Buselas, Alentejo, Douro, etc. guarantee an unforgettable positive experience of tasting their wines.Sommeliers of various restaurants note the versatility of the taste of drinks and not only.

Consider the tasting characteristics of wine:

1. Taste. White wines are full-bodied, strong, but at the same time quite balanced. Red drinks have a berry accent of taste and aroma, pink drinks have a bright fruity taste of strawberries, etc. Vinho verde (green wine) has a slight sourness, freshness and airiness.
2. Aroma. Full-bodied brands will have a woody smell, as they are contained in wooden, oak containers. Pink - will have a floral scent.
3. Color. It highlights wines, in most cases, with tints and bright hues. More than half of Vinho Verde wines are white.

Criterias of choice

Tips on what to look for when buying:

1. Originality. Buying low-quality products can lead to health problems and spoil the impression of the product. You can distinguish a fake from the original by using the inscription Made in Portugal or exported from Portugal. The quality of containers, corks and labels must also be impeccable.
2. The best manufacturers. Buying products of well-known brands, you get a high quality product made to all standards. Therefore, which company is better to buy, choose from your preferences and capabilities.
3. Where could I buy. Inexpensive (budget) types, as they are also called table wines, can be purchased at a regular store. More expensive options are better to buy in a specialized store or can be ordered online in an online store. Be sure to ask for quality certificates for products, no matter where you buy the wine.
4. What is the price. In the general price range, wine can be purchased from 400 to 40,000 rubles.Of course, vintage wines or dessert wines cannot be cheap, but table wines can be purchased at a fairly low price.
5. Sugar content. Depending on the amount of sugar, dry, semi-dry, sweet and semi-sweet types are distinguished. Buy wines based on your preferences.
6. Holding times. Drinks with a long exposure time, as a rule, are more expensive than regular ones. They are worth buying for celebrations and special dates. The functionality of these products remains the same, but aging and fermentation greatly affect the quality of the finished drink.
7. Grape sort. The taste of the finished product will depend on the grape variety. So, for example, a pattern variety will have an increased acidity, and a vinau will provide juiciness and aroma.

Ranking of quality wines of Portugal for 2022

The ranking includes Portuguese wines white, red and rosé. The basis of the compilation is easy to review, consumer reviews and type of product.

White

J.P. Azeitao Branco, 2019

White, dry wine, 13%. Region of manufacture: Alentejo. Light straw color with attractive bright reflections. The harmonious combination of citrus fruits and floral aromas provide a long, mineral aftertaste. Appellation: Vinho Regional Peninsula de Setubal. Price: 860 rubles.

• lung;
• fresh;
• invigorating acidity.

• not identified.

Lago Branco

Semi-dry wine made from arinto, loureiro, azal branco, trajadura grapes. Fortress: 10% vol., Volume: 0.75 l. It has a pale lemon color, complex, expressive taste, long aftertaste. Average price: 470 rubles.

• long aftertaste;
• price;
• bright aroma.

• in the composition of chemical elements (additives).

Mateus White

Semi-dry, from Malvasia and Arinto grapes. Pale golden, balanced drink, with a fine acidity. Suitable for fish, seafood, light salads, snacks. Can be used as an aperitif. Price: 995 rubles.

• fresh, lively wine;
• balanced;
• beautiful packaging.

• not identified.

Gazela Vinho Verde

The drink is made in the Minho region. It has a candy tone with hints of citrus fruits. The aftertaste is sweet. The wine is light and refreshing on a hot day. Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC. Shelf life 2 years. Average price: 890 rubles.

• refreshes;
• easy to drink;
• light (turns 9%).

• sweet aftertaste.

Adega Ponte da Barca Estreia Branco Vinho Verde DOP

Dry white wine made from Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura grapes. It has a transparent lemon color, light, fresh aroma of white flowers and citrus fruits. The texture is smooth, the aftertaste is light, unobtrusive. Price: 741 rubles.

• balanced;
• lung;
• smooth texture.

• not identified.

Azul Portugal Vinho Verde DOC

Exquisite, fruity, fresh wine, with a pale yellow tint, unique taste and balanced acidity. The aroma has hints of fresh fruit. Has a slight carbonation. Fortress: 11%. Price: 752 rubles.

• rich, floral taste;
• natural carbonation;
• bright aroma.

• fruit and berry.

Adega de Cantanhede A. Marquês de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada

Mineral aroma, with hints of lemon peel, orange and pineapple. with refreshing acidity and balanced tones of white flowers. Serving temperature: 14-16 degrees. Fortress: 12.5% ​​of turnovers. Price - 660 rubles.

• balanced;
• refreshing acidity;
• rich bouquet of taste.

• hard to find in stores.

Quinta da Lixa Vinha Real

The drink is clear, with a slight hint of lime. It has aromas of green apple, pear and minerals, has a slight spiciness and fresh aftertaste. Suitable for fish, meat, snacks, salads and seafood. Serving temperature: 9 degrees. Average price: 600 rubles.

• suitable for any dishes;
• light table wine;
• pleasant to the taste.

• not identified.

Cossart Gordon Malmsey, 10 years old

Sweet wine made from Malvasia grapes. Taste with hints of citrus fruits, more attractive aftertaste, will not leave indifferent even the most demanding consumer. Suitable for cheeses, various desserts, puddings, cakes. Price: 4752 rubles.

• balanced;
• original bottle design.

• not compatible with fish and meat.

Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Alvarinho Vinho Verde DOC 2017

White, dry wine, volume 0.75 l., 13.5%. Vintage: 2017. Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC. This wine is aged for six months on rainfall. The taste is clean, juicy with notes of kumquat. It has a long and juicy aftertaste. Price: 1800 rubles.

• rich aroma;
• easy to drink;
• suitable as an aperitif.

• not identified.

Pink

Mateus Rose

The drink is a brilliant pink color with bright tints. The taste is soft, the aroma is rich, fresh. Suitable for oriental and Italian cuisine. Made from Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Rufete, Baga grapes. Cost: 400 rubles.

• not tart;
• has a pleasant aftertaste;
• beautiful bottle.

• not identified.

Gazela Vinho Verde Rose

Has a shade of cranberry with bright pink tints. The wine has a fruity-berry flavor with the aroma of wild flowers, marshmallows and strawberries. Region of growth: Douro. Packed in a glass bottle. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of bottling. Cost: 890 rubles.

• balanced;
• juicy;
• lung.

• not identified.

Lago Rose Vinho Verde DOC

Semi-sweet rose wine. Fortress: 10% vol. Volume: 0.75 l. Appellation: A Vinho Verde DOC. It has a fresh aftertaste, aroma of lime, lemon, melon, strawberry. This combination will not leave indifferent any consumer. Cost: 500 rubles.

• suitable for an aperitif;
• saturated;
• tender and soft.

• cork is not wood.

Alianca, Casal Mendes Rose Alianca, Casal Mendes Rose

Young semi-sweet Portuguese wine. Favorably combines elegance and freshness. The berries, after picking, pass through a pneumatic press and are fermented at a temperature of 16 degrees for a week. Cost: 693 rubles.

• price;
• young;
• light and tasty.

• not identified.

Aveleda Casal Garcia Rose

Semi-dry wine, has a pale pink hue, with aromas of strawberries and wild strawberries. Light-bodied, gives a feeling of tenderness and lightness. It has a juicy sourness, which makes it more drinkable. Fortress: 9.5%. Cost: 730 rubles.

• drinkable;
• light-bodied;
• low alcohol.

• cork is not wood.

Campelo Rose 2016

Refreshing, semi-dry wine, vintage 2016. Raw materials are collected by an automatic method, after which the berries are subjected to a press and fermented in steel tanks. The potential of this drink is 2-3 years. Cost: 792 rubles.

• refreshing;
• soft;
• goes well with many dishes.

• mechanical assembly of raw materials.

Jose Maria da Fonseca Coleccao Privada Domingos Soares Franco Moscatel Roxo Rose 2016

Salmon-colored drink with red hues. Ideal as an aperitif or with Asian cuisine. Grape Variety: Roshu Muscat. Fortress: 12% vol. Volume: 0.75 l, vintage 2016. Packed in a glass bottle. Cost: 2088 rubles.

• moderate sourness;
• saturated;
• classic bottle design.

• not identified.

Adega Ponte da Barca Estreia Rose Vinho Verde DOP, 2018

The bright pink color of the wine is mesmerizing. The aroma of ripe garden raspberries and gooseberries is ideal for light salads with any kind of meat and desserts. Features a smooth, bouncy texture. Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC. Cost: 741 rubles.

• optimal price;
• elastic, smooth structure;
• refreshing aftertaste.

• cork is not wood.

Red

Adega de Cantanhede Moinho de Sula Tinto

The wine has a rich ruby ​​hue, fresh, soft, elegant taste and aroma of wild berries, spices and chocolate. Suitable for a variety of dishes: pasta, vegetables, meat, poultry, cheeses, sausages. Served at 16 degrees. Cost: 455 rubles.

• unusual aftertaste;
• universal;
• price.

• not identified.

Real Companhia Velha Evel Tinto, Douro DOC 2015

Red, dry wine, vintage 2015. Bright ruby ​​color with purple hues will appeal to all lovers of a balanced wine drink. Evel is one of the oldest, proven brands in Portugal. Barrel aging: 8 months. Cost: 1208 rubles.

• reliable manufacturer;
• medium-bodied;
• saturated.

• not suitable for poultry dishes and desserts.

Bacalhoa, JP Azeitao Tinto, 2018

The drink is ruby-garnet color, has a juicy, rounded taste, and a complex bouquet of aromas. This manufacturer produces wines for mass consumption, while guaranteeing the high quality of the raw materials used. Cost: 750 rubles.

• optimal price;
• beautiful bottle design;
• rich taste.

• no astringency.

Companhia das Quintas Amaritis Tinto

Companhia das Quintas is one of the largest wine producers in Portugal. It contains only 100% grapes, without additional impurities. It has a velvety, pleasant aftertaste. Fortress: 12%. Average cost: 500 rubles.

• high quality raw materials;
• reliable manufacturer;
• velvety aftertaste.

• hard to find in stores.

Adega Ponte da Barca Estreia Tinto Vinho Verde

The grape region for this wine is Mignot. Created from a blend of three varieties: Viñau (Suzao), Borrakal and Espadeyru. Harvesting is done by hand, as soon as the grapes reach the required degree of maturity. Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC. The potential is 2 years. Cost: 741 rubles.

• manual picking of berries;
• balanced;
• elegant fragrance.

• not identified.

Alianca, Casal Mendes Tinto

Red semi-dry wine in a beautiful, original packaging. Fruity, aromatic, balanced. Grapes grow in ideal climatic conditions, with medium humidity, with little rain. Cost: 691 rubles.

• medium-bodied;
• harmonious combination of fruits, spices;
• reliable manufacturer.

• cork is not wood.

Casa Santos Lima, Quinta das Amoras Tinto semi-sweet, 2016

Semi-sweet, red wine, vintage 2016. Fruit and berry taste. The finish is long, soft, with a hint of spices. The company produces wine in modern production, all equipment, from the bottling line to the cellars, has innovative technologies. Cost: 509 rubles.

• optimal combination of price and quality;
• medium-bodied;
• saturated.

• not identified.

DFJ Vinhos Bigode Red Blend Lisboa IGP

The drink is made from Shiraz, Tinta Rorish, Touriga Nacional, Alicante, Castelaou grapes. The wine is dense, full-bodied, well-structured, with soft sweetness and a long finish. Bottle aging is 31 days or more. Cost: 911 rubles.

• without dyes and preservatives;
• dense;
• balanced.

• cork is not wood.

In the article, we reviewed new and popular wines from Portugal on the market, which wine is better to buy in different situations, and what mistakes can be made when choosing, whether it is worth focusing only on the popularity of models. Remember, drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health.