Portugal, one of the pioneers in maritime exploration, once guardians of the Straits of Malacca and last but not least they are also part of the old world pioneers fermenting grape juices that we happily sip today. When one thinks of the wines Portugal brings to the table, it is often the popular Port wine which historically has been fortified with strong spirits by sailors to avoid wine spoilage during their voyage off Porto.

Personally, Port wines are good and are indeed enjoyable sips but the rest of Portugal remains undiscovered and underrated. Just as majority of the ‘old world’ wine regions have their own native grapes, so does Portugal. Often these wines are blended together, may it be a blend of the local indigenous grapes or between the indigenous grapes with more renowned new world varietals.

 Vinophiles, here’s a secret to share….

These wines are often a bang for your buck! Real good value, real good deals!

Reason? --> They are gems that remain underrated and quite unheard of! Test yourselves, have you tasted varietals such as Touriga Nacional or even Castelao? Have you tried a ‘green wine’ (vinho verde) before?

If you are looking for these wines to try, they are already available on shores of Singapore! In our local 365 days of summer, a fresh vinho verde can do the trick for an afternoon chiller!

A couple of Local Noses along with a great hangout group were fortunate to have Mr Covas from Viva Vino, a Portugese wine supplier in Singapore to share his passion about his homeland and their offerings. During the session, we were introduced to wines and grape varietals from various regions of Portugal and were able experience the diverse varietals that the Portuguese can boast about. Starting from Minho, in the north travelling south to Douro, Extremadura around Lisbon (unlike the Spanish region), Ribatejo and all the way to Alentejo where it is often scorched, hence producing bigger wines but not without finesse. Last but not least, we travelled back up to Douro again just to end on a sweet note with some Ports!

The following wines that were tasted are available at Viva Vino:

Quinta da Aveleda, 2009 Vinho Verde (Minho)

Tasting Notes: Fresh, light and crisp with intense citrusy floral notes…a great chiller!

Fiuza, 2008 Premium Vinho Branco (Ribatejo)

Tasting Notes: Another quaffer with notes of green asparagus and minerality coming through with fresh acidity before a dry yet buttery finish .

Herdade do Esporao, 2007 Reserva Branco (Alentejo)

Tasting Notes: Cold climate-Chablis like nose with flint and stones with cold climate fruits and herbaceous notes before coming through big and bold with good acid supporting the palate showing tropical fruits and flint with a buttered popcorn finish.

Nieepoort, 2006 Vertente (Douro)

Tasting Notes: Nose of a new world shiraz akin spicy, plumy and chocolaty plus red licorice notes but well restrained with a medium bodied palate, good acidity for balance with plums, melted red licorice, spicy with earthy tones before ending with dry tannins.

Quita do Casal Branco, 2006 Vinho Tinto (Ribatejo)

Tasting Notes: Leafy notes with spicy blackberries on the nose leading to a very easy drinking style with dark berries and hints of earthiness on the palate.

Quinta de Monte D’oiro, 2003 Aurius (Estremadura)

Tasting Notes: One would expect a typical Barossa Shiraz by nosing the wine as it displays big jammy plumy and milk chocolaty bouquet. On the palate it follows through nicely with big jammy sweet ripe fruits ala berry basket with pomegranate smothered in chocolate.

Herdade da Mingorra, 2004 Vinhas da Ira (Alentejo)

Tasting Notes: Nose reminds me of a Hermitage blended with an Amarone that I had previously of earthy, saddle leather, herbs, soy and tar with dried raisins (almost Port like). A big boy on the palate with good vibrancy showcasing intense blackberries, tar and a red fruit compote mid palate finishing off with austere tannins.

Nieepoort, 1998 Colcheita (Douro)

Tasting Notes: Reminisce of a cognac with dark Jaffa chocolate and dried fruits while the palate is medium bodied with sweet plums, hint of floral notes together with chocolaty orange nuances.

Sogrape, 2000 Ferreira Vintage Porto (Douro)

Tasting Notes: Dark cherries, dark chocolate and coffee notes with a herbaceous minty nose. Good acid and structure on the palate presenting with a myriad of flavours -dried raisins, coffee, orange peel , dark cherries and plums and off course ending with soft but fine tannins.  This was decanted for 2 hours….and what’s great is that it is delicious yet not overly cloying on the palate, hence it does makes one continue the joy of having sips after sips!

Let your palate explore new sensations and delights as the Portuguese did!!!

Always trust your PALate, it’s your PAL!

Salut!