portfolio ➜ origin
Portugal
Categories: White Wine, Red Wine, Carcavelos, Madeira
Sitting on the far western flank of the Iberian peninsula, and thus of Europe, Portugal simultaneously resides at the center and at the periphery of European wine culture: Its stands of Q. suber (cork oak) supply nearly all of the world’s natural cork stoppers—essential for fine wine—while, beyond Port, Portugal's own wines have been little known or understood beyond its borders. This is despite the fact that, owing to Portuguese exploration and trade, its wines were for centuries the world's most widely distributed. Indeed, it was the very reach of that global trade that informed the style of wine most associated with Portugal—Vinho Generoso: strong fortified wines, typically oxidative in character, able to withstand the rigors of trade under the mast. Today, there is a newfound appreciation of these wines beyond Port, especially those from Madeira and Carcavelos, while emerging table wine appellations like Bucelas, Vinho Verde and Douro suggest that Portugal is gaining renewed prominence in the wine world.
White Wine
Chão do Prado Bucelas 2020
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
A signature wine of Bucelas with great dimension, with notes of tart calamansi orange, grilled apricot and roasted nuts. Its lively character complements all manner of fish and seafood, fried chicken or dry-rubbed pork. In its home region, it is famously served with roasted garlic rabbit. Full details
Murgas Bucelas 2018
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
Murgas DOC Bucelas White is a wine of vitality and sapidity. Its notes of grilled white peach and beeswax are complemented by the vibrant minerality typical of Bucelas. Its lively character makes it a refreshing companion to a wide variety of fish and seafood, chicken and pork. Age-worthy, it can be enjoyed now through 2030. Full details
Quinta do Avelar Bucelas 2015
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Bucelas DOC 12.5% ABV
12.5% ABV
This wine is firm, bright and resolutely mineral, with notes of apple skin, grilled apricot and roasted nuts. Its power and mature elegance are marked by a distinct maritime influence. Enjoy through 2035 with fish and shellfish, grilled pork, chicken, charcuterie and cheeses. Full details
Red Wine
Murgas Touriga Franca 2019
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR 13.5% ABV
13.5% ABV
Murgas Touriga Franca DOC Lisboa is made from the grapes of the Arneiro vineyard, in Bucelas, in calcareous soils on a slope exposed to the west. Ruby in color, it shows aromas of raspberries and fresh currants, wrapped in notes of pink pepper and woodsy mushrooms. The mouth is enveloping, with very soft but structuring tannins. It ends long and very serious, bringing together the attributes of the great red wines of the region. Full details
Carcavelos
Villa Oeiras Carcavelos 'Nacional' 12 Year Old
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Carcavelos DOC 18.5% ABV
18.5% ABV • Fortified, Oxidative
Arinto, Gallego Dourado and Ratinho form the backbone of this benchmark 12-year-old blend, and the signature of the Atlantic Ocean features prominently in its expression. The wine is aged exclusively in Portuguese ('Nacional') oak, which lends a pleasing rusticity and generosity of spirit. Full details
Villa Oeiras Carcavelos 15 Year Old
Portugal ➜ Lisboa VR ➜ Carcavelos DOC 18.5% ABV
18.5% ABV • Fortified, Oxidative
Arinto, Gallego Dourado and Ratinho form the backbone of this benchmark 15-year-old blend, and the signature of the Atlantic Ocean features prominently in its expression. The wine is aged in a combination of Nacional (Portuguese) and French oak. Full details
Madeira
Belem’s
Portugal ➜ Madeira DOC 17.0% ABV
Saveiro
Portugal ➜ Madeira DOC 19.0% ABV
Henriques & Henriques
Portugal ➜ Madeira DOC 19.0-20.0% ABV
