Portugal Under-£10 Whites Case

Quinta do Ameal dates back to the early 1700s but its acquisition by the team at Esporão a few years ago has seen it given a wonderful new lease of life. Bico Amarelo is an affordable but serious Vinho Verde, without the sweetness or spritz of many examples. This is a blend of avesso, loureiro and alvrarinho grapes from across the region. The nose is crisp and fresh with lemon verbena and pear. The palate is pure and refreshing, with a touch of fresh mint towards the end.

Casa Ermalinda Freitas is one of Portugal's most famous and highly regarded wineries and offer great consistency. Their slick set-up means they can produce delicious wines at very affordable prices and this is an excellent example. A delicately fruity, versatile blend of Portuguese grapes fernão pires, antão vaz and verdelho, with grapy freshness and easy drinkability. No-nonsense, charming and easy-going with authentic Portuguese charm.

A gently creamy, inviting nose leads into a mellow, broad palate underpinned by a clear mineral drive. Aromatically, vital brings subtle orchard fruit and texture to the blend, arinto contributes citrus lift and freshness, while chardonnay adds a touch of stone fruit and richness. From the historic 70 hectare Quinta de Pancas estate founded in 1495 and now impressively revitalised by new owners, Vinha da Raposa (meaning Fox Vineyard) spends around six months in third fill French oak. The oak is beautifully judged, adding breadth and complexity without excess. Surprisingly good and very well handled.

Periquita is one of the most historic and popular wine names in Portugal and is owned by the excellent estate, José Maria da Fonseca. The white, made from sauvignon blanc, verdelho, viosinho and viognier, is a superb example of the deliciousness and genuine personality that Portugal's wines offer even under £8 a bottle. This is a fresh, easy-going blend which is lifted and inviting on the nose, with vibrant white berries, citrus peel and delicate floral notes, plus a gentle blossom-like perfume. Dry, crisp and mouthwatering on the palate, it starts with a clean, zesty snap before a subtle, appetising hint of tonic bitterness adds extra refreshment and makes it particularly moreish. A twist of green apple and bright herbaceousness builds on the finish. A delicious, aromatic and refreshing crowd-pleaser, it’s easy going and authentically Portuguese.

A super example of the broader and fuller style of Douro white wines. This blend of local grape varieties rabigato, arinto, viosinho and gouveio spent six months in French oak, rounding out the acidity and bringing a softer and slightly broader texture. The nose shows mellow spices and apple core, with a savoury character and ripe peachy fruit, backed up by a suave nuttiness. The palate is peach and apple driven, with a broad and fuller body. A lovely mellow white wine that really overdelivers at the price.

Crisp, dry and classically styled vinho verde made from predominantly the loureiro grape, with arinto in the mix too. Loureiro translates as 'laurel', in reference to the distinctive aroma of the berries and its delicately aromatic, pretty and floral quality. Arinto is a focused lemony grape variety that bring tension and freshness to the wine. On the nose there's chamomile, jasmine, nectarine and notes of lemon posset. The palate is dry and refreshing, with a little crisp apple, orange peel and a delicious delicate creaminess.