Touriga Nacional

Portuguese bean stew (often called Feijoada) is a hearty, rustic dish featuring beans, various meats (often pork, chorizo, and sometimes beef), and aromatic vegetables cooked slowly to develop deep, savory flavors. The dish's earthy bean base and savory meat components create a rich umami foundation that pairs beautifully with Portuguese wines that offer good acidity to cut through the richness, while medium-bodied beers with malt-forward profiles complement the stew's hearty nature.

Portuguese sausages like chouriço and linguiça feature smoky, garlicky flavors with paprika and often a hint of heat, demanding beverages that can stand up to these robust characteristics. The fruit-forward yet structured red wines complement the smoky pork flavors, while the malty sweetness and moderate carbonation of the recommended beer styles help cut through the fat while enhancing the savory elements.

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.

This 10-year Tawny is the sweet spot in the Porto aging spectrum – old enough to have developed beautiful complexity but young enough to retain vibrant fruit character. The decade of barrel aging gives it that characteristic amber color and nutty profile that makes Tawny Porto so beloved. Bartholomew Broadbent, the founder of the company, comes from serious wine royalty – his father Michael Broadbent was one of the world's most respected wine authorities. This family connection to the fine wine world ensures their Porto selections meet exacting standards. This 10-year Tawny makes a perfect end to a special meal or a wonderful companion to a good book and a comfortable chair. Unlike Vintage Port, once opened, it will stay fresh for weeks – though it rarely lasts that long!

This Portuguese red blend showcases why Alentejo has become one of Europe's most exciting wine regions. It combines indigenous varieties like Touriga Nacional and Aragonez (Portugal's name for Tempranillo) with international Syrah to create something both authentic and broadly appealing. Capela Santa Margarida draws on centuries of Portuguese winemaking tradition while embracing modern techniques to create wines of exceptional value. The warm climate of Alentejo allows for perfect ripening, resulting in wines with generous fruit character and structure. This red blend delivers the kind of satisfaction that usually comes with a much higher price tag – rich, complex, and distinctly Mediterranean in character. It's the perfect wine for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects without venturing too far from their comfort zone.

Portugal's Alentejo region might be better known for its bold reds, but this rosé proves they can do pink with equal finesse. Made primarily from Portugal's noble Touriga Nacional grape with a touch of Aragonez (that's Tempranillo to the rest of the world), this is a rosé with both character and charm. Herdade do Rocim is committed to showcasing the unique terroir of Alentejo, and this rosé beautifully expresses the warm days and cool nights of this inland region. The result is a wine with generous fruit that remains perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity. It's serious enough to pair with a proper meal but casual enough for poolside sipping – essentially the perfect rosé for any occasion. And while Portugal may not be the first country that comes to mind for rosé, bottles like this make a compelling case for exploring beyond Provence.

Touriga Nacional may be best known as the backbone of Portugal's finest Port wines, but in the hands of skilled producers like Herdade do Rocim, it makes stunning dry reds that deserve a place on any wine lover's table. This single-varietal expression showcases why Touriga is considered Portugal's noble grape. From the sun-baked plains of Alentejo, this Touriga Nacional delivers the grape's characteristic combination of power and elegance – rich dark fruit with that distinctive floral lift that makes the variety so recognizable. Herdade do Rocim farms sustainably and takes a minimal intervention approach in the cellar, allowing the unique character of both the grape and the region to shine through. For those looking to explore beyond the usual international varieties, this bottle offers a compelling introduction to one of Portugal's greatest vinous treasures – and at a price point that makes exploration even more appealing.

Portugal's Alentejo region produces some of the country's most appealing red blends, and Herdade do Rocim's Mariana Red is a perfect introduction to what makes them so special. This thoughtful combination of native Portuguese varieties creates a wine that's both approachable and distinctive. The blend typically features Aragonez (Portugal's name for Tempranillo) providing red fruit and structure, Alicante Bouschet contributing color and power, and Touriga Nacional adding floral complexity and depth. The result is a wine that bridges Old World and New World styles – fruit-forward enough to please those who enjoy California reds but with enough savory character and freshness to satisfy European wine lovers. Herdade do Rocim's sustainable farming practices and careful winemaking ensure that the unique terroir of Alentejo shines through, making this a genuine taste of place at a remarkably fair price.

Margem Esquerda (meaning 'Left Bank') crafts this premium expression from Portugal's Alentejo region – an area increasingly recognized for producing some of the country's most exciting reds. Piteira Premium showcases the impressive potential of traditional Portuguese varieties when given the premium treatment. This bottle represents the perfect balance between Portugal's winemaking heritage and modern precision. The blend of indigenous varieties delivers a unique flavor profile you simply won't find elsewhere – distinctly Portuguese and proudly so. The 'Premium' designation is well-earned, with careful selection of the best fruit and thoughtful aging resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and character. It's the kind of bottle that makes you wonder why you haven't been drinking more Portuguese wine all along. Perfect for when you want something special that won't be in every other wine collector's cellar.

Mary Taylor's partnership with winemaker Felipe Ferreira brings us this authentic expression of Portugal's famed Douro Valley – a region better known for Port but increasingly recognized for its exceptional dry reds. This bottle showcases the remarkable potential of traditional Portuguese varieties grown on the region's steep, terraced vineyards. Ferreira's deep knowledge of the Douro and commitment to expressing its unique terroir shines through in this wine. The blend of native varieties delivers a character that's distinctly Portuguese – robust yet refined, with layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. Mary Taylor's approach of highlighting talented regional producers allows wine drinkers to experience genuine Douro character without corporate markup or marketing fluff. It's the vinous equivalent of having a well-connected friend introduce you to the best local spots – authentic, memorable, and far from the tourist traps.

Portugal might be best known for Port, but the country's dry red wines deserve serious attention too – especially when they offer this much quality for the price. Prunus Tinto comes from the granite-soiled mountains of the Dão region, often called 'the Burgundy of Portugal' for its elegant, balanced wines. This blend of traditional Portuguese varieties (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Jaen) delivers remarkable complexity and character. The high-altitude vineyards allow for slow ripening, preserving fresh acidity while developing rich flavors. The result is a red that's both generous and refined – substantial enough to satisfy lovers of bold wines but with enough restraint and structure to please those who prefer elegance. It's the perfect introduction to Portugal's incredible wine scene and a reminder that some of the best wine values in the world come from this often-overlooked country.

Quinta de São Sebastião (QSS for short) has been making waves in Portugal's Lisboa region, and their Forte do Cego Tinto showcases why Portuguese wines offer some of the best values in the wine world today. This blend combines the native Touriga Nacional with international varieties Syrah and Alicante Bouschet to create something uniquely Portuguese yet globally appealing. The 'Forte do Cego' name refers to a local landmark near the winery – a small fortress whose name translates rather dramatically to 'Fortress of the Blind Man.' There's nothing blind about the winemaking here though, as this red delivers remarkable complexity and character at its price point. The Lisboa region benefits from Atlantic influences that keep the wines fresh and balanced despite the warm Portuguese sun. The result is a red that offers generous fruit without heaviness – perfect for the table and versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods.

This impressive Portuguese blend marries the international superstar Cabernet Sauvignon with Portugal's noble Touriga Nacional grape – think of it as a cross-continental wine summit where both parties actually get along. The 'Rare Reserva' designation isn't just fancy labeling; this wine spends significant time aging before release, developing those lovely tertiary flavors that make wine nerds weak in the knees. The Douro Valley's schist soils and dramatic terraced vineyards impart a distinctive mineral backbone that balances the rich fruit character. It's the kind of bottle that makes you look sophisticated at dinner parties without trying too hard – just don't pronounce it wrong or the illusion shatters. Perfect for when you want to explore beyond the usual suspects but aren't ready to dive into completely unpronounceable territory.

This Portuguese red blend leads with Touriga Nacional (Portugal's crown jewel grape) backed by the internationally beloved Cabernet Sauvignon – like a local tour guide bringing along a well-traveled friend. The 'Rare Tinto' showcases the best of both worlds: Touriga's floral aromatics and intense fruit character with Cab's structure and aging potential. The Douro Valley's extreme terroir – with its steep, terraced vineyards and schist soils – gives this wine a distinctive mineral quality that you simply won't find elsewhere. It's the perfect bottle for those nights when you want to venture beyond your comfort zone without needing a wine dictionary. Think of it as your vinous passport to Portugal without the airfare or the need to remember how to say 'thank you' in Portuguese (it's 'obrigado,' by the way).

Quinta de la Rosa produces this classic Tawny Port from their estate vineyards in Portugal's stunning Douro Valley – where vines cling to impossibly steep terraces and winemakers still crush grapes by foot (though probably not as often as the romantic in you might hope). This Port undergoes the traditional fortification process before aging in small oak barrels, where it slowly develops those gorgeous nutty, caramel flavors while the color gently fades to its characteristic tawny hue. Unlike Vintage Port that needs decades to show its best, Tawny Port is ready to drink when bottled – no decanting required, no teeth staining guaranteed. It's the perfect low-maintenance nightcap that somehow manages to be both sophisticated and comforting at the same time. Keep a bottle in the fridge after opening (yes, really) and it'll last for weeks, making it the perfect companion for those nights when you want 'just a little something sweet' without committing to a whole bottle of dessert wine.

Forget everything you think you know about Port if you've only encountered the ruby styles served at holiday dinners. Warre's Otima 10-Year Tawny represents Port's more sophisticated side – aged in wooden casks for an average of 10 years to develop complex flavors and a smooth, mellow character. Warre's, founded in 1670, brings centuries of expertise to this modern presentation of a traditional style. The clear bottle and contemporary packaging reflect what's inside – a fresher, more approachable tawny that can be enjoyed slightly chilled. While many Ports demand a special occasion, Otima makes a case for Port as an everyday indulgence. It's like having dessert in a glass, but with enough complexity to keep even serious wine lovers interested. The perfect way to end a meal – or start a conversation.