It’s not often these days that I find a wine priced under €5 that is worth mentioning, what with the price hikes we have seen over the last couple of years.
This white from the Vinho Verde region is a blend of the two most significant grape varieties of the northern corner of the country; Alvarinho and Loureiro.
The wine is made my Quinta da Calçada, an estate that has been producing wine for over 100 years but is better known these days for its hotel and restaurant which is part of Relais & Châteaux and held a Michelin star until very recently.
The hotel is currently closed for a major refurbishment but the winery carries on a usual.
Priced at €4.99, this really is a lot of wine for the money, there are lively citric and tropical fruit notes on the nose leading to good acidity and a refreshingly dry but fruity finish.
By Patrick Stuart
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