Portugal Under£10 Reds Case

Portugal's Douro Valley is not only one of Europe's most beautiful landscapes but is home to a rich history of grape growing. Historically the region has been famous for its fortified wines, but in the last few decades the increase in production of table wines has been very well received. This wine is a great-value introduction into the excellent quality now being produced from native grape varieties, and captures the generosity, personality and charm of the table wines of the Douro. Produced especially for The Wine Society by Vinhos Invencível, a small winery run by Douro local Rita Marques and South African Marc Kent, of Boekenhoutskloof fame. A blend of mostly old bush-vines, co-planted and co-fermented, this is as wild and unique as the Douro itself. Predominantly touriga franca, touriga nacional and tinta roriz, from vineyards at different altitudes to capture both freshness and concentration of fruit. This is plush and inviting on the nose, with notes of mocha, dark bramble fruits and violets, typical of touriga nacional. The palate has a lovely, full structure, with juicy blueberries, damsons and sloes all joined by a twist of cracked black pepper and a hint of cinnamon on the back palate. There is intensity here, but the wine finishes lifted and fresh, taking all the wild charm of the region and presenting it in an easy-to-drink way.

This is exactly the sort of wine that reminds you that not every bottle has to be complex or lifechanging to hit the spot. Light-to-medium bodied, refreshing and easy-going, it comes from Portugal’s Douro Valley, a region better known for rich, powerful wines, but here showing a much softer, more approachable side. Made from a blend of classic local varieties, touriga nacional, touriga franca and sousão, this is a dark-fruited, mellow red that’s all about simple, honest drinking. There’s plenty of blackberry and plum fruit, with a touch of earthy spice, and the palate is soft, smooth and generous without ever feeling heavy. Ideal for a relaxed dinner, a light lunch or even slightly chilled on a warm day, it is for unfussy pouring generously and enjoying as a good, reliable house red delivering everything you want for the price – simplicity, good fruit, easy charm and an unmistakable taste of the Douro. It will benefit from decanting for 45 minutes or so if you can, otherwise a good swirl in the glass should do the trick for getting the most out of this charming little red.

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.

More perfumed and medium bodied than the more muscular styles of Douro reds, this shows an elegant side of Alentejo. Aromas of graphite, forest berries and fresh dark plum lead into a vibrant palate where cassis and ripe bramble fruit sit at the core. The texture is supple with well integrated tannins and lively acidity that keeps the wine focused and refreshing rather than heavy. There is satisfying concentration and body, yet it remains poised and highly drinkable. A smart, balanced red that combines charm and structure, offering generosity of flavour without weight.