If you like these international varieties or styles, you might like these Portuguese wines.
Champagne is the most famous sparkling wine in the world. Originating in north-east France, precisely in the Champagne region. Champagne production has evolved over the centuries, leading to the emergence of a wide range of processes, which today we call the "traditional method."
The expertise in controlling the production of carbon dioxide (through a second fermentation that takes place inside the bottle by adding sugar and yeast to create unique bubbles and flavors) was a remarkable achievement, and has served as a guide for other sparkling wines around the world.
Champagne, a symbol of luxury and sophistication, is the ideal choice to mark special occasions.
If you appreciate Champagne's elegance, then you'll like many high-quality sparkling wines produced in Portugal. And don't think this is a recent innovation! In fact, sparkling wine has been produced in Portugal since 1890.
Sparkling wines are not just for special occasions. They can (and should) be consumed all year round. Today, the quality of the best Portuguese sparkling wines will impress even the most demanding Champagne connoisseur.
Don't believe us? Consider tasting any of our six suggestions below and let us know what you think.
Raríssimo “37 anos” Extra Bruto 2007, Bairrada
100% Arinto grape, of which only 40% was pressed. 50% of the must was fermented in 2nd year barrels. Following the classic method, it spent 15 years (not a typo) in the bottle "sur lies" and a further 12 months aging after dégorgement.
Fantastic bouquet with penetrating and deep aromas, complex, detailed and seductive. On the palate, the freshness and richness of flavors are top-notch. Perfect, long-lasting mousse, as is the final persistence. An unequivocal demonstration of extreme elegance.
Filipa Pato Nossa Solera Bruto Natural, Bairrada
"Nossa Solera" is in its second edition. A "Bruto Natural" produced from a 2001 solera, combining 7 sparkling wine bases from different vintages. The wines are aged in barrels and the second fermentation takes place in bottles for 18 months with a cork stopper instead of the traditional metal seal.
A glorious nose of complexity and depth, without dismantling the freshness. In fact, despite the almonds, walnuts and brioche notes, what stands out is an unusual sense of youthfulness. In the mouth, an almost perfect expression of classic-style elegance and precision.
Espumante Vértice RD 2007, Douro
The Vértice 2007 RD (for"Recently Distilled") was aged for 14 years in the Caves Transmontanas. Its creators, Celso Pereira and Pedro Guedes, noticed a growing complexity in the wine, justifying prolonged ageing. It benefits from the experience acquired with the previous edition, the Vértice 2000 RD.
Truly stunning. Complexity and freshness are the main protagonists, with everything revolving around them. Articulate and seductive, but also classic. Marzipan, mushrooms, cookie dough, apple and citrus notes, all giving it a liveliness that defies its age. Enormous energy on the palate. Pure, deep, with a structural acidity that carries it through to a very concentrated, slightly saline and endless finish.
Ninfa Reserva Platinum 2012 Brut Nature, Tejo
100% Pinot Noir, made from "tear must" without maceration, bottled in 2013 and degorged in 2016.
The first impression is a harmonious fusion of strength and sophistication. The maturation time can be felt in the delicate cereal notes combined with the almonds. There are also hints of stone fruit and citrus. The palate is well-structured and generous, amplified by a fine mousse and a touch of charming freshness. There is a careful balance that favors subtlety over power. It's a wine that fills the mouth leading to a long finish. A tasting experience with a lasting memory.
Ravasqueira Grande Reserva 2014 Brut Nature, Alentejo
Alfrocheiro grapes were harvested specifically for this sparkling wine. Second fermentation in bottle, on the lees for 48 months with battonage in every bottle once every 2 months until degorgement.
Polished and refined, with a remarkable harmony of stone fruit, apple, floral and slight hints of cookies. Lovely mouthfeel with a creamy texture, crossed by a backbone of lively acidity. A fine and persistent mousse underpinned by a subtle mineral character. Very complete and long finish.
Quinta do Rol Blanc de Blancs Grande Reserva 2011, Lisboa
100% Chardonnay "extra brut" sparkling wine, made using the classic method. It matured for 84 months in the Quinta do Rol cellars. No expedition liqueur was added in the dégorgement.
Rich and generous in candied fruit, wrapped in fine notes of brioche, yeast and cookie dough. Mushroom and gingerbread notes. Elegant, with a classic profile, very firm and precise, a mouth vibrant with freshness, deep, with a seductive, velvety texture. Long, rich finish, with superb length!
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