10 Portuguese Wines to Drink this Autumn

Portuguese Wine BasicsWineries
Written By David Pires

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change colour, the cosy, comforting season of autumn settles in. This is a time when many of us start to look for ways to keep warm, whether it's through snug jumpers, hearty meals, or a fine bottle of wine. While it's easy to reach for familiar wines from France or Italy, Portugal offers a range of unique and exciting options that are perfect for this time of year.

Portugal has a lot to offer when it comes to wine. Known for its diverse landscapes, from the cool, green hills of Vinho Verde to the sun-baked plains of Alentejo, this is a country that produces a wide variety of wines that are as interesting as they are delicious. The grapes you'll find here, like Touriga Nacional and Arinto, bring flavours and aromas that you won't find anywhere else. And while Portugal is famous for its Port and Vinho Verde wines, there's so much more to explore.

So why not try something different this autumn? This list is your guide to some lesser-known but outstanding Portuguese wines. These are picks that go perfectly with autumn foods and offer a delightful tasting experience that fits with the mood of the season. Whether you're gathering around a fire with friends, hosting an autumn dinner, or simply enjoying a peaceful night in, these wines will make your autumn all the more special.

1. Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas White (Bairrada)

Why It's Special: Bairrada has often been overshadowed by Douro and Vinho Verde, but it's a region worth exploring, particularly for its white wines. Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas is a blend of indigenous grape varieties like Bical and Cercial. It reveals an elegant fusion of green apple aromas, creamy undertones, and zesty minerality. This blend proves an excellent match for mushroom-based dishes and creamy soups that often feature on autumn menus.

2. Aphros Loureiro (Vinho Verde)

Why It's Special: This isn't your typical Vinho Verde. It's produced biodynamically, offering more complexity than many wines from this region. With dominant floral notes and a lingering citrusy finish, Aphros Loureiro is an invigorating choice for those transitional weeks when summer yields to autumn. Ideal for seafood platters or a fragrant green curry.

3. Campolargo Valdazar (Bairrada)

Why It's Special: Campolargo Valdazar showcases the potential of Bairrada's red wines. Comprising Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz, this blend is bursting with blackberry and plum aromas, underpinned by smoky and leather notes. With solid tannins and a lengthy finish, it's an excellent choice for grilled red meats or a rustic beef stew.

4. Monte da Ravasqueira Seleção do Ano (Alentejo)

Why It's Special: Monte da Ravasqueira's red blend incorporates both international and native grapes such as Aragonês and Syrah. The result is a full-bodied wine boasting ripe black fruit aromas, enlivened by a peppery spice. Its robust nature makes it a prime choice for game dishes or a traditional roast with all the trimmings.

5. Herdade do Arrepiado Velho (Alentejo)

Why It's Special: The wine captures the essence of Alentejo through the indigenous grape, Antão Vaz. With a nose of citrus and tropical fruit, balanced by a mineral undertone, it's both refreshing and complex. The wine’s textural richness makes it a wonderful companion to shellfish or pasta dishes featuring creamy sauces.

6. Fitapreta A Touriga Vai Nua (Alentejo)

Why It's Special: A Touriga Vai Nua is a rare gem—a 100% Touriga Nacional, often found in blends. It showcases the grape's floral and dark fruit qualities, ending with a nuanced spicy finish. A terrific candidate for those keen on discovering the full range of this quintessentially Portuguese grape. Pairs nicely with aromatic, spiced foods.

7. Casal Figueira António (Lisboa)

Why It's Special: Originating from the Lisboa region, this white wine made from the Vital grape reveals an extraordinary character. Offering notes of apple and pear with a layer of minerality, it's both refreshing and thought-provoking. This makes for an ideal wine to enjoy with complex fish dishes or aged cheeses.

8. Quinta da Lapa Reserva (Tejo)

Why It's Special: Situated in the often-overlooked Tejo region, Quinta da Lapa's Reserva red wine is a fascinating blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot, and Syrah. This wine captivates the palate with its ripe red and black fruit notes, along with a touch of spice and earthiness. It has a balanced structure with gentle tannins, making it quite versatile. This wine would be superb with autumnal dishes like roasted root vegetables or a hearty beef casserole.

9. Quinta de Chocapalha Arinto (Lisboa)

Why It's Special: Arinto is a grape known for its sharp acidity and citrus flavour profile. Quinta de Chocapalha's version offers lemony zestiness along with a light floral aroma. It’s an excellent wine for lighter meat dishes like chicken or turkey, and a fresh addition to your autumn wine list.

10. Quinta do Sagrado Grande Reserva (Douro)

Why It's Special: This wine comes from the steep, terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. It's a multi-varietal blend, layering complex black fruit flavours with hints of spice and floral notes. The wine’s structure and depth make it well-suited for rich, hearty dishes like roast beef or lamb.

As we wrap up this journey through the vineyards of Portugal, it's clear that this incredible country has so much more to offer than just the usual suspects like Port and Vinho Verde. From the crisp whites of Vinho Verde to the robust reds of Alentejo, we've explored wines that can elevate any autumn gathering or cosy night in. So the next time you're looking for a bottle that captures the essence of the season, why not give one of these Portuguese gems a try? Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned expert, these selections promise to bring a touch of warmth and character to your autumn celebrations. Cheers!

David Pires
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