Portuguese Explorer - Mixed Half Dozen

Portuguese wines have advanced in recent years, more than pretty much all other European countries (possibly bar the UK!) and are now a happy hunting ground for both excellent quality and excellent value. Improvements in technology have led to a raft of clean, zippy, flavourful whites arriving on the market, and JP Ramos’ Vinho Verde is a great example. Further south in the burgeoning area of Tejo, east of Lisbon, you’ll find blends like that of Casal Branco where the indigenous Fernão Pires is paired with Sauvignon Blanc to tremendous effect. In the high Douro Valley, Carvalho Martins can now make a white that is positively Chablis-esque, using native varieties and good French oak barrels with excellent results. The reds also have a freshness to them; our own Douro tinto is a firm favourite, particularly with claret lovers, while the Dão is made on very modern, juicy, red fruit lines. Finally, note that the brilliant Paco Palhete is designed by the winemaker to be drunk cool, out of the fridge even, on those baking hot summer days we can occasionally enjoy even in Blighty!