In the past I’ve written in this column about the white wines produced by Fiuza & Bright in the Ribatejo region. The Sauvignon Blanc priced at around €5 is probably the best value for money Portuguese Sav Blanc out there and for similar reasons I was also impressed by the Alvarinho. But this Premium label made from the red-fleshed Alicante Bouchet grape is the first of their reds I have tried, and it will not be the last.
Priced between €7 and €8 in supermarkets it once again represents outstanding value for money. Most of the Alicante Bouchet varietals on the market cost a great deal more and whilst this wine may not have the concentration and body of some of the great Alicante Bouchets of the Alentejo region, it is nonetheless a full-bodied wine with lush up front fruit notes of berries and plums on the nose married will well-integrated toasty oak. In the mouth, the wine is full and fruity with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. An excellent wine to accompany a good steak.
By PATRICK STUART [email protected]
