Portugal
If You Only Have Time for the Class 6 on Lajes
| Wine | Varietal / Region | Notes | Taste | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soalheiro Alvarinho Reserva | Vinho Verde (Monção) / Alvarinho | Only from the northern Minho region; known for intense minerality | Crisp, elegant, fresh | $40 / ~$30–$40 |
| Quinta do Crasto Douro Red | Douro Valley / Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz | Family-owned vineyard with terraces on steep Douro slopes; iconic Douro blend | Bold, structured, rich | $35 / ~$25–$35 |
| Luis Pato Vinha Barrosa Baga | Bairrada / 100% Baga | One of the few single-varietal Baga wines; high acidity for age-worthiness | Complex, age-worthy | $40 / ~$40 |
| Esporão Reserva Red | Alentejo / Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet | Combines traditional and modern winemaking in Alentejo; elegant oak integration | Smooth, full-bodied | $55 / ~$45–$55 |
| Quinta do Vallado Reserva | Douro Valley / blend | Estate-grown grapes; oldest Douro vineyards still in production | Elegant, balanced | $65 / ~$60–$70 |
| Casa de Santar Dão Reserva | Dão | Dão region's granite soils give structure and aging potential | Refined, structured | $40 / ~$30–$40 |
| Mingorra Colheita Branco | Alentejo / Verdelho, Alvarinho, Viognier | Small boutique vineyard; expressive blend of indigenous and international whites | Refreshing, aromatic | $14 / ~$12–$15 |
| Torre de Ferro Reserva | Dão / Baga, Touriga Nacional | Traditional red from Dão; showcases Baga's firm structure and longevity | Juicy, balanced | $9 / ~$8.99 |
Wines to Look for Off-Base
| Wine | Varietal / Region | Notes | Taste | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gazela Vinho Verde | Loureiro, Arinto / Vinho Verde | Light, slightly spritzy white; perfect intro to Portugal; great summer wine. | Crisp, light, refreshing | ~$9 / ~$25–$35 |
| Aveleda Fonte | Blend / Vinho Verde | Everyday Portuguese white; aromatic and lively with green apple freshness. | Zesty, floral, bright | ~$12 / ~$40 |
| JP Azeitão Red | Castelão / Setúbal Peninsula | Juicy, fruit-forward red; soft tannins make it very approachable. | Fruity, smooth, easy | ~$10 / ~$45–$55 |
| Dao Colheita Red | Touriga Nacional, Jaen / Dão | Elegant red from granite soils; balanced and food-friendly at an everyday price. | Balanced, smooth, earthy | ~$15 / ~$60–$70 |
| Soalheiro Alvarinho | Alvarinho / Vinho Verde (Minho) | Benchmark Alvarinho; showcases minerality and citrus from granite terroir. | Crisp, zesty, fresh | ~$30 / ~$30–$40 |
| Quinta do Crasto Douro Red | Touriga Nacional Blend / Douro | Classic Douro valley red; rich, structured, and widely respected. | Bold, structured, rich | ~$35 / ~$12–$15 |
| Luis Pato Baga | Baga / Bairrada | Famous for age-worthy reds; Burgundian finesse and high acidity. | Earthy, tannic, complex | ~$40 / ~$8.99 |
| Arinto dos Açores | Arinto / Azores (Pico Island) | Salty, volcanic minerality with high acidity; a true Azores expression. | Salty, fresh, mineral | ~$40 |
| Verdelho do Pico | Verdelho / Azores | Rare Azorean varietal; tropical, aromatic, and volcanic-driven. | Tropical, mineral, bright | ~$45 |
| Blandy's 10-Year Malmsey Madeira | Malmsey (Malvasia) / Madeira | Customary Madeira: Richest style (sweet), aged with "estufagem" heat-aging; unique tangy acidity. Served with dessert or cheese; stays fresh months after opening. | Caramel, nutty, vibrant | ~$45 |
What is Madeira Wine?
Madeira wine is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira, known for its rich flavors, remarkable longevity, and unique production process. Unlike most wines, it is intentionally exposed to heat and oxygen during aging, which creates its signature notes of caramel, nuts, dried fruit, and spice.
This special method also makes Madeira practically indestructible — a bottle can remain fresh for months or even years after being opened. Beyond its flavor, Madeira carries deep historical significance: it was treasured by European explorers, favored by American colonists, and famously used to toast the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
For a new wine drinker, Madeira offers a chance to taste history in a glass, while enjoying a wine that is both approachable and unlike anything else in the world.
Madeira Styles — Dry to Sweet
SO Many Grape Varietals!
Portugal has an incredible 77 common native grape varieties — more indigenous grapes than almost any other country. This diversity means Portuguese wines are full of character and unique flavors you won't find anywhere else.
