Wine Region: Beiras

(2026) Beira Atlântico is an IGP (Indicação Geográfica Protegida) coastal and cool region between Porto and Lisbon. This is made from Cerceal, indigenous to the region and a different grape from Madeira's Sercial. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels for around seven month, around 20% new oak, with lees stirring. It's a subtle but delicious wine, herbal, fennel and sage nuances over clean, orchard and stone fruits. In the mouth there's a delicate oak influence, but this is mostly about pristine fruit quality, a saline note to both texture and acidity, intonation long, smooth finish. For the Chablis lover perhaps? Watch the video for more information.

(2021) From high altitude vineyards, a blend of 80% Tinta Roriz and 20% Touriga Nacional. Dark in colour and aroma, the vinous firmness of the Touriga is just lifted by the Roriz (Tempranillo) with subtle hints of cherry and flowers. In the mouth this is dry and very savoury, some tobacco spices beneath firm black fruit, very good acidity and the tannins giving a fair thwack of grip to the finish. Gastronomic and honest.

(2012) Tightly defined, with quite flinty and racy aromas, but huge fruit ripeness too showing juicy peach and tangerine. On the palate lots of juiciness, lots of flavour and a hint of residual sugar to add creamy lusciousness. Long, lovely.

(2012) Gorgeous nose licked with vanilla and very creamy raspberry fruit, a minty note and cedary too, quite complex, but boldy fruity. The palate has a serious, vinous character, with ripe but savoury fruit bolstered by sinewy tannins and fresh, pert acidity.

(2011) Bical. From chalky and clay soils, this has a toastiness on the nose with notes of sesame seeds and honey over nutty apple and pear. Elegant and fresh on the palate, the oak influence is layered over the pristine, cool fruit at this stage, but that will settle down. Beneath, this is shimmering, taut and mineral, with mouth-watering nerve and considerable length.

(2011) Baga, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cao. Hugely deep coffee and almost minty, menthol nose. A certain wild gaminess, and plenty of complex, lifted aromatics to entice. The palate has an almost Beaujolais sappiness, with that earthy, green-tinged quality to the black fruits, but such a lovely sense of freshness too. Juicy and vital, with glimpses of smoky, meaty depth.

(2000) Medium to deep vibrant ruby colour. Nose of summer berries and cream with a hint of spice. On the palate it has a fleshy, fruity and juicy character but a slightly jarring astringent note that detracts slightly. Not bad, better with food possibly.