Portuguese Wine

One of my favourite white discoveries of last year; crisp, fresh and elegant with classic varietal character and a mouthwatering finish. - Chris Connolly

Aromas of ripe bramble fruit, plum and a touch of spice. Generous on the palate with fresh red cherry and blackberry leaf characters - supple tannins give structure, all rounded off with a touch of spice on the juicy finish.

Luis Seabra may be a new name on the Portuguese wine scene, but he has already had a hand in crafting some of the Douro’s most exciting wines, working as Dirk Niepoort’s right-hand man from 2004 until leaving to set up his own label in 2012. He is starting small, releasing two whites and one red, with a total production of just 5,000 bottles per wine. Winemaking is minimal-intervention, and the style very much reflects the concentration of care lavished by this experienced winemaker on his tiny output.

A bright, lifted palate shows flavours of freshly picked nectarines, peaches and pears, all against a complex backdrop of wet stones, chalk. Graceful and powerful all at once, with a salty, savoury complexity and a compellingly chewy texture which runs through to the lengthy finish

Produced in Quinta de Santa Teresa, with grapes from the P67 parcel, this Monólogo is made from Avesso, the typical variety of Baião.

This wine shows a fresh aromatic profile, with notes of white flowers, thyme and a citric side to it, particularly passion fruit. On the palate smooth and silky notes of guava and pear, along with a well-adjusted acidity. It will age well in bottle.

A&D Wines

A classic Portuguese blend of Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, Perrum, Fernao Pires/ Arinto. Complex and inviting citrus notes of lemon and white fruit are followed by fresh and balanced palate, with a firm body and a long finish

Aged in used barrels so as to impart less characteristics of the oak, yet keeping its softening effects on the wine. No ageing in bottle is necessary due to its natural occurring oxidation, meaning this wine will (if kept properly) last many months after opening, with no change in profile.

In the glass you can really see the beautiful colour of this amber nectar, with citrus, orange peel and ripe apricots on the nose. Followed on the palate by cinnamon, hints of dried fruit, a smooth roasted hazelnut, with a surprisingly persistent finish.

José Maria da Fonseca

A blend of Malvasia Fina, Encruzado & Cerceal Branco. This a seriously good value fresh white wine showing how Dao whites should be taken seriously. Fresh aromas of lemons and green apple with hints of wet stone. The palate has bright acidity, citrus characters alongside mineral and savoury a crisp finish.

The Symington family may be better known for their Port houses and Douro vineyards (Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s and Cockburn’s are perhaps their most recognised labels) but latterly they have expanded their interests south of the Douro and this gorgeous white from Alentejo offers all the evidence one needs that they have not been wasting their time. Arinto has the reputation of being the country’s finest white grape and it forms 75% of the blend here alongside Verdelho. Barrel fermented before ageing for 7 months in cask this is a pretty serious style of white with a real richness and intensity.

Made from a blend of Loureiro 50%, Avesso 15% and Arinto 35%. Floral, citrus and gentle tropical aromas lead on to a palate which is deliciously off-dry with flavours of ripe melon and sherbet lemon acidity. The finish is refreshing with a classic spritz.