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Our Wines

 Why Portuguese wines?

Portugal’s history of wine stretches back thousands of years, shaped and perfected across the ages by the spread of culture, ideas and technology.
In a modern wine market flooded with the same grape varieties, Portugal has a beautifully little-known secret. Hidden within the borders of this small country, there are over 250 completely native grape varieties, unique and perfectly suited to the local climate and terrain. 
Combine an outstanding base product with ancient passion and true craftmanship, and your end product is both stunningly different and exceptional in quality.

red wine
Winemaking in Portugal dates back to at least 2000 BC, though later major cultural shifts such as Roman rule helped to spread the practise throughout the country. One of our winemakers still uses the traditional Roman Talha method. The wines are 100% fermented and matured in these beautiful ancient vessels, a practise that we are proud to be helping to preserve.
Exportation of wine to England began much later, in the 12th century. This was the beginning of a close trade relationship which would last hundreds of years.

250 native grape varieties
Soil quality is a vital factor in the development of a good vine, and Portugal’s generally granite based soils give good drainage but low levels of nutrients. This nutrient deficit forces the vine to produce fewer, better quality grapes, which is known to result in richer, more complex wines.
Though small, Portugal is a country of diverse climates, from salty coastal breezes to hot inland terrain, which allows for the development of a diverse range of wine styles and characteristics.

red wine
In the 20th century, Portugal’s political climate cast a shadow on its wine production. As other European winemaking countries continued to gain popularity and acclaim in the UK, Portugal’s politics stifled its progress abroad.
However, this brought one unexpected and exciting long term benefit: lack of international attention meant that Portugal was left to nurture its own native varieties, some 250 of them. This preservation of unique grape varieties is what makes Portugal stand out among other winemaking countries: the end product is one of a kind. 

250 native grape varieties
Portugal’s entry to the EU in 1986 brought a new wave of investment into its wine industry, resulting in a rapid swell of bold and creative winemaking. 
This small country has a diverse range of climates, from cool coastal breezes to hot inland terrain, which allowed for the development of a complete range of wines to suit modern international preferences. 
International acclaim swiftly followed, but wine suppliers in the UK have been slow to tap into Portugal’s mine of high quality, affordable wines. We want to lead the wine renaissance in the UK and reintroduce Portuguese wines to wine consumers nationwide.

Aromas & flavours characteristic of Portuguese traditional grapes
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