We have worked hard on Portugal in recent years, particularly on the Douro which we regard as the ‘new classic’ area of Europe, capable of producing fabulous ageworthy wines along the lines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône. In fact, these wines have gone so well, most have been sold from our Lying Abroad offers.

However, you can find some bottles on the Oddments List, and there are still some excellent drinking wines that we list here from other areas. We have sourced a delightful pair of every-day wines from the Alentejo, Terra de Lobos, to sit below the popular Marques de Borba pair made by João Ramos near Evora. His Vila Santa Syrah is on great form too, rich with a powerful character showing just what a good grape Syrah is, performing so well in this corner of the Old World.

Portugal’s shining star is the Douro however, and our stalwarts, Churchill Estates from Johnny Graham and Quinta Vale D Maria from Cristiano Van Zeller are still getting better and better, vintage by vintage. Touriga Naçional, their local mainstay grape, is an outstanding variety capable of making world class quality wines on its own or in a blend with Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz.

Finally, don’t forget the sweet Moscatel de Setúbal, a rich orange-marmalade flavoured pudding wine, a sublime match with chocolate puds and possibly the best value sweet wine from Tanners at the moment.

Robert Boutflower