Portugal

Slightly less rare at 5Ha still planted, this was my first Terrantez, and a lovely example. Medium amber with a medium-width, golden rim. Walnut …

A fabulous rarity, with just 2Ha of Bastardo (aka Trousseau) now grown on Madeira, and rarely bottled varietally. So good, in this case, that …

Not a renowned vintage for Noval, as they were going through a lean period, pre-AXA, and this is starting to show its age. Nevertheless, …

The Berry Bros & Rudd Autumn / Winter press tasting, in stark contrast to the Co-op supermarket’s Autumn press tasting exactly a week before, showed …

Thoroughly unexpected in several ways. Firstly, SJ and I had this on our first night in Cape Verde, where our expectations (well, mine) had …

We actually (by accident) had both the 2007 (13.5% ABV) and the 2006 (14.5%) on the same evening, as we finished off the Hotel’s …

Another wine enjoyed over dinner in Avis, and another quasi-local one as well, from Alentejo. Came across as lighter than the 2003 Mouchão, though …

Pretty expensive, although this was the hotel restaurant price during our training camp in Avis, in the Northern part of Alentejo. Nevertheless, a high …

When we were in Portugal to celebrate the bicentennial of General Delaborde’s Battle of Roliça against Wellington, I was keen to try a Moscatel …

Another from the 3rd Optimor Case, and this a blend based primarily on Touriga Nacional. Deep, slightly opaque ruby colour; youthful, dense and with …