13 wines and drinks to drink and toast your luck – Flavors

Taboadella Jaen 2021

Let’s start big. For the wine and the format, in Magnum, because the meals are long, asking for another glass. The Jaen grape variety, one of Dão’s little-known treasures, produces wines that are soft in tannins and acidity, but vigorous in aromas − especially black fruits and spices. It’s another dimension, and Taboadella finds one of the great terroirs to express itself. Also available in Alfrocheiro and Encruzado versions. Price: 44 euros (150cl).

Costa Boal Homage Reserva Rosé

From the Holy Trinity of Douro grape varieties – Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz – a special rosé is born, with a soft salmon color, very elegant and with a great gastronomic profile. With the growing popularity of rosés, this reserve is ideal for those looking for another complexity and structure, asking for more table than pool. And it’s only available in Magnum, which has another impact. Price: 90 euros (150cl)

Quinta de Monforte Vinhão red 2023

We move straight to a grape variety that raises eyebrows − because it is generally understood as very “rustic”. Here, on the contrary, it presents itself with great elegance, the result of a good year and more attentive oenology. A surprising wine, with well-tamed tannins and lively acidity, allowing the aromas to stand out. For those who want to invest a little more, there is even a Grande Reserva version. Price: 15.60 euros (or €98, the Grand Reserve).

Casa Velha Grande Reserva Branco 2022

Adega de Favaios has done remarkable work in so-called still wines, under the Casa Velha brand (which, like the 25th of April, celebrates 50 years). This Grande Reserva 22 is an example of that. Full of life, it is creamy and engaging, the result of a careful selection of grapes planted at 600-700 meters of altitude. Common blend de Gouveio (50%), Viosinho (40%), Arinto (5%) and Rabigato (5%). Don’t tell anyone, but Adega also produces a Casa Velha Reserva White that is almost as good and cheaper. It perhaps lacks a little complexity, acidity or fat, but other than that it has everything. Price: 16 euros (11, the Reserve).

Herdade do Peso Installments 2020

And now a jump to the south, and to Vidigueira, that Alentejo microcosm breathed by the Atlantic current. Yes, the sea air reaches the middle of Alentejo, pushed by the terrain’s orography. As a result, we have cooler nights, ideal for grape maturation. Here we have a selected batch with the best parcels of Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvigon from Herdade do Peso, a dense and opaque wine, with striking tannins and excellent acidity, ideal for those who appreciate intense and structured wines. The kind that leaves tears in the glass flowing very slowly (and it’s not because of the alcohol content). Aged for 12 months in 3000 liter barrels, and the rest of the time in bottles. Price: 50 euros

Douro White Cut 2023

We return to Douro, but the wine justifies it: a vibrant white, full of intensity and freshness, and at the same time delicate, (very) slightly floral. It has a buttery touch, the result of being aged in Austrian oak barrels, so it goes well with cheeses, white meats or as an aperitif. A 100% Viosinho, which is not from a farm because Côrte does not have white grapes, but they come from a plot 700 meters away, near Tabuaço. From Quinta da Côrte – one of the most special in the Douro – it is worth investing in the Grande Reserva Tinto Douro 2019, a wine with terroir, exuberant and complex, ideal for roast cod or red meat meals. Price: 23.40 euros (€58, the Grand Reserve).

Quinta de São Salvador da Torre Loureiro Vinho Verde 2023

Because there is more Minho than Alvarinho, we came to discover this Loureiro in the valley where it thrives best, on the right bank of the Lima River and just 10 km from the sea. A wine with color and citrus notes, lively freshness and a touch of salinity that perfectly seasons it. In an old property that is 400 years old, now fully restored, and features the wisdom of Anselmo Mendes. Altogether it makes a great white Vinho Verde. Price: 9.49 euros

Champanhe Veuve Clicquot Yellow label

Celebration wine par excellence, no list of this type would be complete without a good champagne. And our choice falls on Veuve Clicquot. The brand, launched by “Ferreirinha Française”, has long been one of the world’s greatest references and has a habit of launching special editions at this time. This year’s one includes an irresistible portable mini fridge, perfect for toasting or giving as a gift. Price: 74 euros.

João Pires Sparkling Wine

Made from Moscatel de Setúbal, João Pires is one of the most famous white wines in Portugal. José Maria da Fonseca has now decided to expand the range with a great sparkling wine made from the same variety, with fine, crunchy bubbles and a lot of freshness in the mouth. Ideal as an aperitif or to celebrate the New Year. And in a beautiful shade of yellow, very similar to a certain champagne, but much more democratic. Price: 8.49 euros

Dalva Dry White Port 20 years

We should invest much more in this great national wine and few of us do. Dry White Port Wine, for example, less sweet, is the ideal accompaniment to starters and snacks such as cheese, smoked salmon and some smoked sausages (and if there is any leftover it is still excellent at the end of the meal). This Dalva, at 20 years old, already presents itself with all the complexity of its age, but with a comforting freshness and acidity. Price: 43.95 euros

Sandeman Quinta do Seixo Vintage Port 2022

If you prefer classic Vintage, Sandeman has in Quinta do Seixo 2022 a wine of great harmony and complexity. Magnificent, although in these cases of Vintage Ports our recommendation is always “the older the better”. Price: 69.95 euros

Glenmorangie The Infinita 18 Years Old

For Glenmorangie, 18 is not just the age of majority, but a magical number around which many of its great Single Malts revolve. This The Infinita, aged in ex-bourbon and sherry barrels, is smooth and soft, and a true sensorial journey, with layers and notes of flavors that evolve with each sip, almost as if it were a different whiskey. And getting better. Price: 130 euros.

Dalva Aguardente Vínica Velhíssima

With prolonged maturation in old Port wine casks, it gained a dark amber color, complex aromas and flavors, of dried fruits, caramel, vanilla or roast. The advantages of such long aging cannot be replicated. A rare product, with very few editions and that rivals the best Cognacs in the world. But 100% national. Price: 85 euros.