A wine and ham discovery at Portimão market
A friend told me recently about a new stall that has opened in Portimão market, towards the back of the meat and veg area, where the speciality is high quality Spanish pata negra ham. And indeed, it is very good and well cut to order by Sr. Rui who also owns the butcher stall next door.
But I was equally impressed with the small and very well curated selection of wines where, on the bottom shelf, I found a small selection from one of my favourite Douro producers Maritávora. I have not seen these wines for a long time in any of the major supermarkets, which is a shame.
I picked up a bottle of the white, costing €16, which is a blend of some of the most traditional white Douro grapes; Códega do Larinho, Rabigato and Viosinho. For anyone who loves good quality unoaked and authentic Douro whites, this is hard to beat. Lovely tropical fruit on the nose with real purity of fruit in the mouth, fresh but with nice structure and a long clean finish.
The reds are also excellent, so if you visit this new stall, which has only been open for four months, be sure to take a look on the bottom shelf of the wine display.
