Portuguese wines offer surprising quality
Print Edition
“HALF bottled wine is currently a new trend in China, when locals are turning to rational consumption rather than just using wine to show off. The small bottle, 250ml, is the perfect size for two people to each have a glass,” says Ricardo Aleixo, the owner of Portugese wine Hugo Royal.
Aleixo dedicates himself to producing half-bottled wine and has launched his new collection “So Young 2,” including a red and a white. These two wines brightened up Shanghai Daily’s Ideal Awards ceremony last Friday. Aleixo’s passion for wine can be traced back to his grandfather, Maneul Francisco Aleixo, who started making wine 60 years ago.
Portugal’s winemaking tradition goes back to the Roman Empire although the country’s wine industry really started flourishing in 1703, when traders exported wine to England thanks to the Methuen Treaty, a commercial treaty signed between Portugal and England. Nowadays, Portugal’s two famous wine-growing regions are the Douro Valley and Pico Island. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Although the country is known for producing quality Port and Madeira wines, the lesser-known whites, reds and sparklers deserve a chance.
The country’s northwest area is generally cool and hilly, ideal for producing light white wines with good fruitiness and high acidity. The northeast produces some full bodied white wines thanks to the region’s abundance of warm sunshine. The area, although warm, is known for acidic wines, a trait common in wines from cooler climates.
Red wines come in diverse styles. Vineyards along the Atlantic coast, highlighted by the rainy Vinho Verde in the northwest, produce reds featuring a light body, low alcohol around 11 percent and a fruity flavor. The historical Douro Valley produces some seriously sophisticated robust wines with a strong body, tannic texture and complex rich flavors. The area features a Mediterranean climate with long warm sunny days, helping the grapes mature and softening the tannins.
Portugal is known for its distinctive grape varieties. The white Alvarinho grape is undoubtedly the star. It’s one of the first varieties used to make single variety wines. Alvarinho white wines usually have a full body, elegant fruity notes reminiscent of some stone fruits, citrus and white flower such as lemon, orange zest and orange blossom. Some tropical fruit aromas can also be detected, including passion fruit to lychee. Local red grapes such as Alfrocheiro and Baga are also known for producing wines with unique character.
Alfrocheiro produces wines with a rich deep color, ripe tannins and strong body, as well as ripe black and red fruits such as blackberry and strawberry. Baga wines also have a deep red color, with a high acidity and tannic texture.
“So Young 2” red wine has an alcohol content of 12.5 percent with a ruby red color, light and soft taste and with a little fizz to give it freshness. It has aromas and flavors of strawberry and raspberry and a hint of vanilla. It’s best served at 14 degrees Celsius with grilled steak or pasta.
“So Young 2” white wine has an alcohol content of 11 percent and a pale lemon color. It tastes soft and round, with strong notes of tropical fruits such as melon and hints of apple and citrus. It’s best served at 10 degrees Celsius, or even cooler to pair with fresh seafood.
The producer is targeting young customers seeking good quality wines at affordable prices. Both are fresh, light and fruity, making them ideal beverages for the summer.
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