Portuguese Wine for BeginnersWhat to Drink With What

Portugal makes some of Europe's best-value wine, from grape varieties you won't find anywhere else. You don't need to know them all. Learn six regions and you'll be able to order confidently in any Portuguese restaurant, and pick the right bottle for the recipes on this site.

Vinho Verde (Minho, northwest)

"Green wine" doesn't mean green in colour. It means young. Most Vinho Verde is a light, fresh white, sometimes with a tiny prickle of fizz and low in alcohol. There are red and rosé versions too.

Drink it with: cataplana de marisco, clams, sardines and anything from the sea.

Douro (north)

The steep terraced valley that makes Port also makes powerful, structured red wines, mostly from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca.

Drink it with: arroz de pato, feijoada and grilled meat.

Alentejo (south)

Hot, sunny plains and ripe, round, easy-drinking reds and whites. Alentejo is the region most Portuguese people drink every day.

Drink it with: carne de porco à alentejana, bitoque and roast pork.

Bairrada and Dão (centre)

Bairrada is known for its Baga reds and its sparkling wine, which is the traditional partner for roast suckling pig. Dão makes elegant, fresh reds and whites from the hills around Viseu.

Drink it with: roast meats, bacalhau com natas (with Dão white).

Port (Douro)

The famous fortified wine. Tawny Port, aged in wood, is nutty and caramel-like. Ruby Port is fruitier. White Port with tonic and a slice of lemon is a popular summer aperitif in Portugal.

Drink it with: pastéis de nata, cheese, or as a "Porto tónico" before dinner.

Madeira

Fortified wine from the island of Madeira, made in styles from dry to rich and sweet. Famous for keeping for decades, even after opening.

Drink it with: cake, nuts, or as an aperitif with bolo do caco.

Portuguese

Vista Alegre Bicos goblets, set of 4

Vista Alegre has made porcelain and glass in Portugal since 1824. These goblets suit a Vinho Verde with your cataplana.

Tip: All-purpose goblets: wine, water or sangria.

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From the shop

What you’ll need

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Portuguese

Vista Alegre Bicos goblets, set of 4

Vista Alegre has made porcelain and glass in Portugal since 1824. These goblets suit a Vinho Verde with your cataplana.

Tip: All-purpose goblets: wine, water or sangria.

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Portuguese

Hand-painted Portuguese pottery pitcher

A blue hand-painted ceramic jug, 900 ml, for water, sangria or wine at the table.

Tip: Handmade, so each piece is unique.

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Portuguese

Portugal: The Cookbook (Phaidon)

A big, comprehensive book of Portuguese recipes, region by region. The one to give a serious cook.

Tip: A large hardback that looks good on the shelf as well as in the kitchen.

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