Portugal
Traditionally known in this country for fortified and sweet wines, the UK as had a long trading history with Portugal. When Britain fell out with the French several hundred years ago, it was Portugal we turned to for our wine and the only way their wine would make the long sea journey to England was if it was fortified with spirits – so Port was born.
Portugal and their wines have come a long way since then and something of a revolution in Portuguese winemaking is taking place at all levels. This means that there is a lot of good wine available for well under £10 and well-crafted, interesting and age-worthy wines found higher up the price scale.
Most of the best wine comes from either the Douro or Alentejo, though good quality can be found almost everywhere. Thanks to a wide variety of native and international grape varieties there is also huge diversity. It is worth bearing in mind that much of the best wine is still consumed in Portugal and that the really cheap stuff can be decidedly poor.
Key grape varieties:
R Touriga Nacional, Tinta Rotiz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao, Tinta Amarela, Cabernet, Syrah, Bual
W Alvarhino, malvasia Fina, Encruzado, Sercial
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