Portugal: White, including Vinho Verde
2016 Gold: 3 Silver: 5 Bronze: 5 Commended: 9
2015 Gold: 4 Silver: 2 Bronze: 5 Commended: 7
Portugal’s whites are a well-established hunting ground for good, interesting and (crucially) cheap wines in this competition now – and they continued their success story this year. Overall, Golds might have been slightly down on last year, but with an increased Silver count there was greater strength in depth, and positive feedback more or less throughout.
There was some disappointment at the overall standard of the Vinho Verdes, though the ones that medalled did well (two different-style Golds gives our list a balanced feel), while the other whites covered the full range from light and citrusy to rich and oaky, and were more or less universally popular.
The pricing was keen – and needs to be. Customers, it seems, are happy to be talked into buying these wines (and like them when they do), but they’re unlikely to go much above £35 for them. Still, these are a useful – and increasingly essential – element in any sommelier’s armoury.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘Portuguese whites can be hard to place. But there’s generally quite a lot of minerality, which makes them very food compatible. In terms of price to style, I’d say Portugal is one of the best countries for whites.’ Damon Little, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw
‘These were unique wines. Putting them on your list is a good way to encourage dialogue with the customer.’ Giancarlo Cuccuru, Brackenbury Wine Rooms
‘[At Hakkasan] we’re good supporters of Vinho Verde and we have one By The Glass that sells very well. They’re good value for money and easy to recommend to guests that want to try something a little bit different.’ Diana Rollan, Hakkasan London