She’s done it!! Renowned wine writer specializing in Portuguese wine, Sarah Ahmed has published, what she considers, the top 50 Portuguese wines for 2009. Although a bit heavy on the Douro and Alentejo regions, understandably, we feel she’s covered the country rather well.
However, keep in mind that awards like these are inherently flawed, as these wines have now obtained a name and fame before individual discovery. That said, looking down the list, there are some great unknowns and a few surprises, all which help to show Portugal’s diversity.
We’ve tried to link to each wine whenever possible with more information. Interestingly, many participants at the 2009 European Wine Blogger’s Conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, were able to try several of these wines, and we’d be curious to know their thoughts, not to mention your own!
For a full and detailed report, make sure to check out her Portugal Regional Report page.
White wines
Lisboa
Quinta do Chocapalha Arinto 2008
Vinho Verde/Minho
Anselmo Mendes Contacto Alvarinho 2008
Quinta do Louridal Poema Alvarinho 2007
Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho 2008
Tejo
Vale d’Algares Seleccion White 2008
Bairrada
Quinta das Bágeiras Vinho Branco Garrafeira 2007
Beira Interior
Quinta dos Currais Colheita Seleccionado
Dao
Quinta de Saes Reserva Branco 2008
Duriense/The Douro
Poeira Pó de Poeira Branco 2008
Niepoort Reserva Redoma Branco 2008
Alentejo
J. Portugal Ramos Vila Santa Branco 2008
Adega da Cartuxa Pera Manca White 2007
Red wines
Colares
Quinta das Vinhas de Areia Fundação Oriente Ramisco 2005
The Algarve
Monte da Casteleja Maria Selection 2007
Lisboa
Quinta do Monte d’Oiro Reserva 2006
Beira Interior
Quinta dos Currais Reserva 2003
Beiras
Bairrada
The Dao
Quinta Vale das Escadinhas, Quinta da Falorca T-Nac 2007
Quinta de Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada 2007
Quinta da Pellada Reserva 2006
Quinta dos Roques Garrafeira 2003
The Douro/Duriense
Quinta de S Jose Colheita 2007
Quinta do Noval Cedro do Noval 2007
Quinta do Passadouro Reserva Tinto 2007
Lemos & Van Zeller Curriculum Vitae “C.V” 2007
Quinta do Crasto Vinha de Ponte 2007
Quinta Macedos Pinga do Torto 2005
Alves de Sousa Abandonada Tinto 2005
Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2004
Quinta do Vale Dona Maria 2004
Alentejo
Herdade dos Grous 23 Barricas 2008
Herdade de São Miguel dos Descobridores Reserva 2007
Herdade do Esporão Private Selection Garrafeira Red 2007
Herdade do Rocim Grande Rocim 2007
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova Malhadinha Tinto 2007 (VR)
Herdade de Mouchão Tonel 3-4 2005
Sweet Wines
Quinta do Portal Late Harvest 2007
Quinta da Bacalhoa Sivipa Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal 1999
To compare Jamie Goode’s 2008 Top 50 Portuguese Wines to Sarah’s 2009 list, go here. Adegga.com also has the complete list on its site, allowing you to add comments to each wine as you see fit.
Please share your thoughts with us. Do you feel this list covers what you would elect as the top 50? Are there any you would switch out for another, or get rid of entirely?
Cheers,
Gabriella and Ryan Opaz
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Catavino evolved from the wanderings of an American couple who craved a radical change in perspective. In 2005 they quit their jobs, moved to Spain and dug deep into the local gastronomy. 
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