From Lisboa to Bairrada: A Taste of Portugal

We had an excellent turnout for this meeting at Stallingborough Grange to enjoy wines presented by David Lawson of Chez Vin on his very first visit to us. David explained the history of Chez Vin Wines and entertained us with many interesting tales, particularly about Portuguese wines and his business, which has spanned 21 years and followed a total of 40 years in the wine trade.

We started with a very light Casa Santos Lima Azulejo Branco, which was only 9.5% ABV. Refreshing and well received, it offered excellent value for money. We continued with three more whites, beginning with Vinha Maria Branco Reserva 2024 from Dão, a Mâcon-style wine with light oak, stone fruit character and good balance. Next was Casa Velha Gouveio 2024 from the Douro, appreciated by most of us as a single-varietal wine with good length and acidity. The final white was Quinta do Cardo Branco 2024 from Beira Interior, a mountainous region near the Spanish border. Intended to accompany the salmon dish of the evening, it struggled somewhat against the spiciness of the fish!

The first red was Casa Santos Lima Azulejo Tinto 2021 from Lisboa, an enjoyable entry-level blend that included Pinot Noir. Easy drinking yet complex, it offered qualities not often found at its price point of just £10.99. Next came Quinta do Cardo Tinto 2023, a big, gutsy wine made from three of the main Port grape varieties. Very dry, with good length, it should improve further with age. We then tasted Vinha Maria Tinto Reserva 2024 from Dão, which showed strong tannins on the palate supported by plenty of fresh fruit. Well balanced and punching above its weight, it was a bargain at £12.99.

The final red was São João Lote Especial Tinto 2020 from Bairrada, made from several local grape varieties in proportions that vary according to the vintage. With a jammy nose and lots of fruit on the palate, it was the most expensive wine of the evening at £19.99 and was appreciated by all.

The reds went down particularly well with our members and were generally preferred to the whites. It was a great finish to David’s first visit, and we thank him for his lively, quirky presentation and extensive knowledge. We are all much wiser about the wines of Portugal.