Portugal Under£10 Reds Case

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. Casa Ermelinda Freitas is a significant family-owned company established in 1920 and run by successive generations of dynamic women. This is a supple, juicy red to enjoy on its own or with a host of dishes. A good, honest, easy-drinking house red which has proven a real hit with Society members.

A vibrant and expressive take on red Vinho Verde, this wine is made from padeiro, espadeiro and borraçal, native varieties chosen for their freshness and charm rather than power. Unlike the region’s more common vinhão-based reds, this has no gas, no residual sugar, and is all about lightness and drinkability. Made using a combination of partial carbonic and whole bunch fermentation, the result is a bright, crunchy red with notes of wild berries, sour cherry and fragrant herbs, carried by juicy acidity and a gentle, refreshing finish. Serve chilled for full, refreshing effect.

This wine is sourced from vineyards close to the city of Lisbon and is a blend of native Portuguese grapes, touriga nacional, castelao and trincadeira. They come together to create a generous, medium- to full-bodied wine full of Portuguese charm. Juicy aromas of damsons, plums, black pepper and a mellow earthiness on the nose lead to a generous, fruit-driven but mellow palate. Perfect with beef stews and dishes with earthy flavours, or just on its own. A charming, easy-going and inexpensive bottle which demonstrates authentic Portuguese charm. Bando de Corvos (Murder of Crows) takes inspiration from the story of the two crows which accompanied the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, when he brought Saint Vincent's bones to Lisbon. Crows are now a symbol of Lisbon and appear on the city's coat of arms.

A bright, ruby-coloured red with an immediately inviting nose of ripe cherries, juicy raspberries and blackcurrant. The palate is supple and balanced, with plush tannins giving a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The blend is led by around half touriga nacional, supported by other native Portuguese varieties alongside syrah and a smaller portion of Alicante Bouschet, combining freshness, ripeness and approachability. It may have some of the worst back label blurb you'll ever read but the wine in the bottle is an unpretentious, easy-going bargain.

A brilliant example of Portugal's prowess when it comes to overdelivering on anyday reds. Periquita is one of Portugal's most loved and historic brands and is produced by the José Maria da Fonseca estate in Sétubal. Periquita Tinto is an honest, easy-drinking red with real local personality. It's medium to full bodied and smells excellent, with the fruit doing the talking on the nose, however there’s a delicate and delicious thread of dark spice too. Blackcurrant leads, backed up by an inky depth, a gentle peppery bite and a subtle earthiness and with a little air, a lovely blueberry note starts to sing, bringing extra purity and a juicy lift on the palate. Made predominantly from the local Sétubal grape castelão (so synonymous with this producer it’s historically been referred to in texts as “Periquita”) blended with trincadeira and alicante bouschet, it’s authentic, satisfying, authentic and reliably delicious.

A blend of syrah, touriga franca and alicante bouschet with an immediately expressive nose of blue and purple fruits, cassis and a clear sweep of sweet spice from oak. The wood is prominent yet sits within the wine’s generous personality, adding warmth and richness rather than drying the finish. Plush and plump on the palate, it offers ripe fruit, supple tannins and a lively line of acidity that keeps everything fresh and forward. Approachable and open knit, this is an easy going, crowd pleasing Alentejo red with plenty of flavour and a bright, juicy finish.