10 Portuguese Wines Under $30 for Every Occasion.

Here’s my selection of 10 Portuguese wines available in the USA for $30 or under, many of which are fairly easy to get from major retail outlets, as of November 2017

1. Quinta de Chocapalha, Arinto 2016, $10.99-$13.95

Region: Alenquer, Lisboa, Portugal

Grape: Arinto 100%

This wine is my very first encounter with Arinto grape, which makes mineral white wines with predominant flavors of apple and lemon. Wines that are delicious when young and fresh but can become even more interesting with age. Arinto is a late-ripening grape that grows all over Portugal. Its great advantage is that it keeps freshness even in hot conditions. That is why it is often used in blends of white varieties to balance the lack of acidity.

This wine from Quinta de Chocapalha is a pure expression of Arinto. Bright yellow in color, tropical fruit, and citrus on the nose. Fruity palate with good structure and a salty touch. Savory and extremely refreshing. (Available at Slope Cellars, Getwineonline.com, Wine.com)

Read the full story about my visit to Quinta de Chocapalha

 

2. Herdade do Mouchão Don Rafael Branco 2015, $13.99

Region: Alentejo, Portuga

Grape: Antão Vaz, Arinto

Well known for bold, ripe and fruity red wines, Alentejo region has some wonderful old vines that produce a lower yield of characterful white wines.  Don Rafael Branco is sourced from old Antão Vaz and Arinto vines on the Mouchão Estate. Well structured, with edgy acidity and citrus notes, this wine will be enjoyed both, on its own and as a fine accompaniment to Portugal’s outstanding seafood dishes. (Available at Union Square Wines)

 

3. Quinta do Perdigão Encruzado 2015, $18.99

Region: Dão, Portugal

Grape: Encruzado 100%

Often used in blends, this aromatically intense, high acid indigenous grape variety has proven to produce high-quality varietal wines with great aging potential. Reminds me of Chardonnay, but of course with local terroir influence of Dão (center-north of the country). Here, vibrant acidity and chalky minerality bring balance, while a lovely palate of herbs, lime, and passion fruit makes this wine a perfect companion for rich fish sashimi, seafood risotto, chicken with creamy souse or pork belly. (Available at Union Square Wines, Chambers Street Wines, Aretsky’s Patroon (NYC), Aldea (NYC))

Read more about Quinta do Perdigao.

 

4. Quinta do Perdigão Rose 2015, $15.19

Region: Dão, Portugal

Grape: Alfrocheiro 10%; Touriga Nacional 15%; Jaen 35%; Tinta Roriz 40%

This exotic age-worthy Rosé from Quinta do Perdigão is voted the best Rosé in Portugal in 2015. Aromas of ripe raspberry, hibiscus, and citrus with a full-flavored palate of red currant, wild cherry, and rose. Great aperitif wine, accompanied with sashimi, cured meat, sausage pizza or wild berries desserts. (Available at Union Square Wines).

 

5.Quinta do Perdigão Jaen (Mencia) 2010, $23

Region: Dão, Portugal

Grape: Jaen (Mencia)

Thought to be a clone of Spanish Mencia, Jaen is mostly grown in Dão region of Portugal. The grape is often used in blends due to the lack of color and structure. However, this varietal wine from Quinta do Perdiago is well balanced and complex with the firm long fruit flavors, supple tannins, and lingering herbaceous finish. It will go beautifully with vegetarian dishes, red sauce pasta or traditional Portuguese dish Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice, check out my recipe here). (Available at MCF Rare Wine).

 

6. Quinta de Chocapalha Tinto 2013, $18

Region: Alenquer, Lisboa, Portugal

Grape: 45% Touriga Nacional | 20% Tinta Roriz | 15% Touriga Franca | 10% Castelao | 10% Alicante Bouschet

A bouquet of ripe black fruit and spices. Vibrant and elegant with silky tannins and excellent acidity. So versatile, it goes well with anything, from simple cold meat dish or cheese to grilled steak. A perfect wine for an everyday pour. (Available at Wine.com)

 

7. Wine & Soul, Manoella 2014, $22.99

Region: Douro, Portugal

Grape: 60% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Roriz, and 5% Tinta Francisca

Quinta da Manoella is the last property acquired by the husband and wife winemakers duo Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva to contribute to the Wine & Soul brand. Parcelles of 80-year-old vines are tucked into terraces preventing erosion and enhancing the beautiful landscape. Natural farming, no chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, pure expression of Douro terroir. Beautiful purple color with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, spices, and a herby hint of bergamot. Aged for 16 months in used French barriques this wine shows good concentration, fine silky tannins, and long-lasting finish. It is delicious with roasted veal or lamb, smoked hams, Polvo ‘A Lagareiro’ (Octopus with potatoes in the oven) (Available at Some Good Wine, Getwineonline.com).

 

8. Quinta do Crasto Douro Superior 2014, $26.99

Region: Douro

Grape: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Souzã

This wine comes from a winery with 400 years of winemaking history. Crasto Superiore is a red blend of native grape varieties from recently planted vines in Upper Douro. Rich and complex, with fresh notes of wild berries, violets and a hint of cacao. Wine of great volume, balance, and structure; ripe firm tannins and lingering finish. Pairs wonderfully with blue cheeses, teriyaki glazed meats or any meat and fruit combos such as lamb with apricots or duck with prunes.

(Available at Garnet Wines & Liquors, Wine.com)

9. Wine & Soul, Pintas Character 2014, $28

Region: Douro

Grape: 30 indigenous grapes of Portugal

When I asked Sandra Tavares Da Silva (the winemaker) what are the grapes here, she hesitated to answer. Pintas Character is a field blend of 30 different grape varieties from a 45-year-old vineyard, predominantly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. It is a full-bodied red with big aging potential. Rich and spicy, muscular wine with red plum and blackberry notes and a smoky undertone. Perfect BBQ type of wine. (Available at Getwineonline.com)

10. Herdade do Mouchão Ponte das Canas 2012, $28

Region: Alentejo, Portugal

Grape: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Shyrah

Mouchão was the first winery in Portugal to plant Alicante Bouschet grape, which has never been prized in its native France but thrives on the terroir of Herdade do Mouchão. Ponte das Canas is a blend of indigenous and international grape varieties from 30-100-year-old vines. Very powerful wine, full of dense tannins, and juicy black fruit, spice and wild herbs. Pair it with venison roast seasoned with rosemary and juniper to match like flavors in the wine. (Available at Union Square Wines)