Portugal Fine Wine Mixed Case

Encruzado is fast becoming known for producing some of Portugal's top white wines. Quinta dos Roques was the first Dão estate to bottle encruzado as a single variety, back in 1998 and are now a benchmark for this unique white grape variety. This particular example was wild fermented, 20% in oak barrels. The oak adds a delicate layer of nutmeg to the orange blossom, preserved lemon, toasted almond and quince notes on the nose. The palate is structured but plush, with focused acidity which is rounded out by the well-used oak. There are notes of apple crumble, vanilla pod and lemon on the palate, leading to a long finish. Fans of white Rioja will also enjoy this.

From the legendary Quinta do Vesuvio estate, Pombal do Vesuvio continues to prove itself one of the Douro’s most compelling reds. Named after the Pombal vineyard, where touriga nacional thrives, this is a wine that balances power, perfume, and poise in a way that few can match. The 2023 vintage is a blend of 66% touriga nacional and 33% touriga franca, aged for 14 months in second-fill French oak barrels (400 and 225-litre), allowing the wine’s pure fruit and terroir-driven complexity to shine. Right now, it’s deep, inky, and youthful, with an enticing nose of cassis, violets, and black tea, alongside layers of fennel, black peppercorn, and a touch of forest floor. The palate is both plush and structured, delivering juicy black fruit, earthy spice, and a lifted floral elegance above its core of dark, concentrated fruit. The tannins are supple yet firm, with a grip that suggests fantastic ageing potential. The balance between generosity and refinement is what makes it so special; serious yet irresistibly drinkable. A wine of depth and character, Pombal do Vesuvio 2023 is one to savour now or watch evolve beautifully over time.

This is the flagship red for Vadio, fragrant with dark fruits, rose petal and an attractive forest floor character. The palate is fresh, lifted, with vibrant acidity and grippy tannins, blueberry fruits, violets and rose petals. Luís Patrão and Eduarda Dias of Vadio have a vision that how they farm their 10ha of vines can serve as a model for ecological transition in the Bairrada region in Portugal. After achieving organic certification in 2024, they are now resolutely on the path towards regenerative viticulture, managing their vineyards with a more holistic and nature-focused approach. One of our Wine Society Pioneers for their work on sustainability, our Climate and Nature Programme is providing them with funds to plant 50 native trees and 100 native shrubs as well as 30 olive trees, to sow 5ha of vines with inter-row multispecies cover crops, and to create new habitats for wildlife (including building a seasonal pond). Luís explains that they want to be a catalyst for change in Barraida and plan to host local workshops to inspire their neighbours (there are around 150 small farmers growing grapes locally). Certified organic for their own dry-farmed vines, they closely monitor cover cropping, tilling and water use – only used for organic treatments – on their clay soils and compost vine waste, animal dung and forest floor material too. 50% of winery power comes from solar panels. The wine reaches you in lightweight bottles, too, down from 400g in 2021 to 365g now.

Herdade do Mouchão is one of the great heritage names of the Alentejo region of Portugal. The winery buildings are old, beautiful and authentic, boasting traditional stone lagares, perfect for treading the fruits of the old vines. Their Dom Rafael is a good-value red, especially considering the high reputation of the winery, and is a blend of aragonez, trincadeira, castelão and Alicante Bouschet, all handpicked and traditionally foot trodden in the lagares, before 12 months' maturation in oak barriques and tonnels. The result is a deep, full and succulent red, with red-berry and blackcurrant crumble aromas, supported by a luscious hint of plush leather. The palate is full-bodied with a super balance of sweet and savoury flavours. More red and black currant are joined by a delicious iron savoury character, pillowy richness, hints of black olive and lifted spice on the finish. This is a perfect combination for slow cooked, rich ragus or a BBQ shoulder of lamb.

From a 60-hectare estate in tiny Bucelas, just 25km from the Atlantic, restored by Sogrape in 2019, this is arinto grown on fossil-rich calcareous soils with mixed exposures. The nose is tightly wound and precise, showing lime, grapefruit and green apple skin alongside orange blossom and a saline oyster shell note. The palate is driven by arinto’s life affirming acidity, delivering a vivid line of citrus and mineral freshness with real focus and length. A smart balance of fruit and stony character, this is bright, zesty and deeply refreshing while retaining admirable persistence.

This wine highlights what it is that makes Anselmo's alvarinhos stand out. Extended skin contact (a rarity in alvarinho) adds texture and complexity, while careful ageing on fine lees enhances its creamy mouthfeel and depth. The result is a wine that is bright and electric yet layered and refined. On the nose, it’s aromatic and intense, bursting with notes of citrus zest, ripe peach, and green mango, alongside a flinty, saline edge and hints of fresh herbs and white flowers. The palate is pure and focused, balancing juicy stone fruit with a vibrant acidity and a lightly chalky grip, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish with a subtle touch of Atlantic salinity. This is serious alvarinho, capable of ageing but utterly delicious now. Whether paired with seafood or enjoyed on its own, it’s a wine that reminds you why this grape is one of Portugal’s finest.