Portugal has been undergoing a quiet revolution the past few decades. Drawing on a plethora of diverse native varietals it offers a welcome change from the ubiquitous roster of international grapes and wines. Both surprising and compelling the range of styles and unique flavour and aromatic profiles has sparked the interest of many intrepid wine lovers including ourselves.

While its fortified wines are benchmark examples and some of the most prized of their kind in the world, the country has, for some time been producing an impressive array of still wines with an ever-keen eye on improving quality and consistency each vintage. The best of those combine richness and lush fruits with beautiful freshness and energy. Lilting floral aromas are a hallmark of its reds particularly those with one of its most prized grapes touriga nacional while the whites range from bright, textural and pithy, full of energy to more serious, barrel aged styles akin to top-quality, modern chardonnay.

We have been seeing some impressive examples hit our desks recently and while relatively thin on the ground just a few years ago there is plenty to explore today. From great value, easy sippers to structured styles that are perfect for cellaring Portugal offers a wonderful kaleidoscope of styles.