Portugal Value Mixed Dozen

Fresh, round and fruity, with the merest hint of spritz, this is a popular, easy-drinking style from northern Portugal, the blend tending to be around half each of alvarinho and trajadura. 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. 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. 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 crisp, elegant and high-altitude white from the Douro Valley, made by one of Portugal’s most historic producers. The 2024 vintage is bright and expressive, with aromas of citrus, green apple and white peach, alongside a hint of floral lift and a subtle touch of spice from partial ageing in oak. On the palate it’s fresh and focused, with zesty acidity and a dry, mineral finish that speaks to the cooler vineyards of the Douro’s high plateaus. A wonderfully versatile white that’s perfect as an aperitif or alongside grilled fish, seafood or salads.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

This little red really captures the easy-going charm and fruit-forward style of Lisboa. A blend of syrah (aka shiraz). touriga nacional, alicante bouschet and tinta roriz, this is lifted and juicy on the nose. There's a nice combination of black berry and blueberry fruit, a lovely touch of earthiness and bright aromatic spices. The palate is medium bodied and easy-drinking, with silky tannins, freshness and authentic Lisboa charm. Honest, friendly and crowd pleasing red at a super price.

A blend of alvarinho, arinto and viognier offering an inviting, savoury nose of sage and thyme layered with lemon cream and a gentle nuttiness from partial French oak ageing. The palate is broader than the aromatics suggest, showing satisfying concentration and a mellow, rounded texture balanced by bright citrus acidity. There is a pleasing contrast between creamy generosity and fresh definition, giving comfort and energy in equal measure. With good mid palate weight and a delicately savoury finish, this is a thoroughly gastronomic Alentejo white.

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.