Porto and Lisbon Inspiration Case

Rocim has made quite a splash in recent years, not least for its release of a super-expensive red which sold out in a matter of hours. This wine is at an altogether more approachable level, from the Vidigueira sub region’s granite and schist soils. A fragrant blend of touriga nacional, alicante bousche and aragonez, with gorgeous bright fruit, silky texture, purity and freshness.

From the fertile green landscape of northern Portugal come the light, fresh, bracing wines known as Vinho Verde. The Society’s Vinho Verde, made by the highly regarded Adega de Monção co-operative, comes from vineyards overlooking the border with Spain along the beautiful Minho river in the Monção e Melgaço sub region. Bright, dry, relatively low in alcohol and with a delicate spritz on the zingy citrusy palate, this is delicious with shellfish or light lunches, and it is such seafood staples of the region that appear on the smart new label in the shape of the polvo, AKA octopus, that is so much enjoyed with Vinho Verde up and down the Portuguese coast.

From family-owned Casa Ermelinda Freitas, south-east of Lisbon, this friendly red combines local castelão, which is all juicy red fruits, with Alicante Bouschet which brings darker black fruit and fleshiness.

Reliably delicious blend of indigenous grapes typical of the warm Alentejo region of Portugal, fresh and easy to drink on its own, and super versatile at the table.

Esporão has its own vineyards in the Douro and the wines are certified organic from this vintage. A fragrant, silky-textured red with minerality that comes from higher-altitude vineyards.

From the sandy soils of Setúbal in Portugal, with cabernet sauvignon and touriga nacional providing extra colour, structure and breadth of dark fruit to complement the sweeter fruit and texture of castelão.

Syrah makes delicious rosé all over the world and the Alentejo region is no exception. Beautifully presented, certified organic, partially fermented in barrel for extra depth and texture, this is a well-upholstered pink for the table.

Deliciously light and aromatic Portuguese blend of local fernão pires, antão vaz and verdelho, versatile and cracking value.

Particularly good with fish and seafood, this is a fresh and adaptable dry white made from local encruzado and arinto grape varieties.

A juicy, sweet-fruited red made from local touriga nacional blended with syrah, which has settled so well in southern Portugal.

From an old property restored by winemaking giant Sogrape Vinhos and made from the traditional white grape arinto, whose life-affirming acidity carries the delicate green-apple and white floral perfume and flavour long on the palate.

Made by the team at Rocim, a smooth, succulent blend of traditional local grape varieties Alicante Bouschet, trincadeira and castelão.