Top 5 Best Red Wines from Portugal

Because Terry Pomerantz loves dry red wines, it was high time he explored the wonderful world of Portuguese red wines. Most of the red wines presented today are available at the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ).

Portuguese Wine Regions

Portugal’s vinicultural richness is based on 250 local or indigenous grape varieties dispersed across 14 wine regions, including:

• Douro

  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro region is the most famous wine region in Portugal. It cultivates the Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca and Tinta Roriz grape varieties. In addition to the well-known Porto, excellent dry red wines are produced here.

• Estramadura

  The largest Portuguese wine region, situated along the Tagus River.

• Dão

  This region produces elegant red wines with complex aromas.

• Alentejo

  Covering 30% of Portugal’s wine country, the Alentejo is known for its millennial tradition of Talha wines made in clay jars. These supple reds exhibit earthy and mineral aromas with hints of black cherry and raspberry.

• Algarve

  Its sandy clay soils, schists and Mediterranean climate create very favourable conditions for producing high-quality wines.

Portuguese Grape Varieties

The Portuguese wine terroir boasts over 250 indigenous red and white grape varieties, making it one of the richest regions in the world in terms of grape diversity. Among the main grape varieties used in Portuguese red wines are:

• Touriga Nacional: prevalent in Douro, Dão and Alentejo.

• Touriga Franca : often used in blends from the Douro region.

• Tinta Roriz or Tempranillo ((Spain)): adds power and structure to red wine blends.

• Baga: the principal grape of the Bairrada region, providing powerful tannins and sharp acidity.

• Mencia: an indigenous grape from northwestern Iberia, mainly grown in Dão, Douro and Beira Interior, producing light to medium red wines with delicate aromas.

• Rufete: mainly cultivated in Dão, Douro and Beira Interior; it produces fine, light red wines with notes of plum, blackcurrant and forest fruits, offering refreshing wines with supple tannins.

Key Characteristics of Red Wines from Portugal

Portuguese red wines display great diversity, largely due to the many indigenous grape varieties of their terroir. In Portugal, you can find light and aromatic reds in the northwest, full-bodied and rich reds in the south, robust and complex reds in Douro, and elegant, mineral wines in Dão. These wines are ideal for pairing with grilled red meats, charcuterie and cheeses.

Top 5 Portuguese Red Wines

• Dona Clara Quinta de Romaneira Reserva 2019

  The Dona Clara Quinta Romaneira is an exceptional Portuguese red wine for its price. This full‐bodied red offers pronounced notes of wood with aromas of dark fruits, blueberries and coconut.

  Grapes: Touriga Nacional (42%), Syrah (26%), Tinta Roriz (9%), Touriga Franca (9%).

  

• Vadio Baga 2020

  This organic red wine of great elegance is perfect for pairing with a Portuguese-style chicken. Vadio Baga 2020 unveils aromas of red berries and black tea.

  Grape: Baga (100%).

  

• Roquette & Cazes 2021

  A balanced Douro wine with a pronounced palate, ideally suited for grilled dishes.

  Grapes: Touriga Nacional (60%), Touriga Franca (25%), Tinta Roriz (15%).

  

• João Eduardo Novais Malheiros Tavares de Pina Rufia 2022

  With only 11.5% alcohol, this natural wine with a light body and lively acidity exhibits notes of plum, violet and crisp red berries.

  Grapes: Mencia (75%), Touriga Nacional (20%), Rufete (5%).

  

• Carm Grande Reserva Douro 2022

  A silky and fruity red with firm tannins and a smooth texture that exudes aromas of black cherry, hints of vanilla and nuances of licorice.

  Grapes: Touriga Nacional (70%), Touriga Francesa (30%).

  

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