Aveleda

Portugal has long been one of the wine world's best-kept secrets, and this blend from historic producer Aveleda shows exactly why more people should be exploring Portuguese reds. The name '12 Knights' references a legendary medieval tale where twelve knights gathered at a round table – a fitting story for a wine that brings together different varieties in perfect harmony. This blend combines Portugal's noble Touriga Nacional (the star grape of Port) with international varieties Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a wine that feels both distinctly Portuguese and universally appealing. Aveleda, founded in 1870, brings generations of winemaking expertise to this modern blend. The result is a wine with the structure and depth to satisfy serious red wine lovers but the approachable fruit character to win over anyone at the table. It's the kind of bottle that makes you wonder why you've been spending twice as much on less interesting wines from more famous regions.

If refreshment had a flavor, it might taste something like this Vinho Verde from Aveleda. The name 'Fonte' means 'fountain' in Portuguese – a perfect description for a wine that flows with such effortless drinkability. Made from indigenous Portuguese varieties Loureiro and Alvarinho (the same as Spain's Albariño), this is the ideal introduction to Portugal's most famous white wine style. Aveleda, a family-owned estate dating back to 1870, is one of the region's most respected producers. Their Fonte Branco captures everything that makes Vinho Verde so beloved – it's light, crisp, and subtly complex with just enough fruit to keep things interesting without becoming heavy. Lower in alcohol than most whites, it's perfect for daytime sipping, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a wine that refreshes rather than overwhelms. The kind of bottle that disappears with alarming speed – especially on hot days when nothing else will quite hit the spot.