Outlandish Values from Portugal!
When it comes to being under-the-radar, Portugal is like an F-22 Raptor, hiding in plain sight. This vinous Shangri-La of Western Europe has become bombarded by tourism over the last decade, yet its wines remain criminally underappreciated and underpriced.
Today we bring you two glowing examples, one red, one white — both yum & fun!
The 2021 Duorum "Altitude" is a deep, Cab-Beating temptress whose authentic grip and length beckons another sip and whose character could stump a lot of people in a blind tasting. Then, from Luis Pato is a 94-Point, $13.99 lightweight, full-force explosion of floral and exotic charm!
Scroll down to read more about these authentically awesome wines, crafted without makeup, pomp or circumstance, then grab yours with the Big Yellow Button!
2021 Duorum “Altitude” Tinto
Douro, Portugal
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The "modern" Douro Valley's demarcations were drawn up in 1756. Well before that, the Romans made wine along these very same banks of the Douro River.
Once synonymous with the fortified wines known simply as “Port”, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that any effort was made to craft quality dry reds here. It wasn’t until joining the E.U. that it became viable to even export such a wine legally! They’ve caught-up really, really quick.
This blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca and 20% Tinta Roriz has a structure and profile that will be familiar to lovers of old school Cabernet. We love its fierceness and full-throated personality that captures the grit and edge of Douro perfectly.
There’s a rush of fruit and earth that feels like a perfect combination of Bordeaux and Barbera. Black cherry, black plum, rosemary, violets, blood, crushed schist, and green tobacco are all there, along with satisfying length and verve on the finish. Interestingly, the primary variety of this wine, Touriga Nacional, has recently been approved as an official grape of the Bordeaux region!
“From a high-altitude vineyard in the Douro Superior region, this young wine with toast and tobacco aromas is full of promise. Its firm edge of tannins and structure is sure to soften. Drink from 2026.”
- 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast (7/1/2024)
“This is a youthful and fresh red with raspberries, lemons, clay and wild herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, clean and mineral, with tight-grained tannins and a fine and focused finish. Drink or hold.”
- 92 Points, James Suckling (9/1/2023)
Pour this in a carafe and surprise friends alongside herb crusted red meats, veal or mushroom lentil pot pie. With a few years in the bottles since these 91- and 92-Point reviews were written, this far-from-entry-level drinking red is cruising at high-altitude now!
Median online retail is just over twenty bucks. This is a hot buy at that price and an eye-opening steal at ours.
Vin Chicago Price: 15.99
94-Point Luis Pato
White for $13.99!
2024 Luis Pato Maria Gomes
Bairrada, Portugal
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If there’s an even bigger secret in Portugal than the reds, it would be their sneaky spectacular white wines. Enter Luis Pato, a revolutionary winemaker who has championed and innovated in the Bairrada region for nearly 50 years.
Today's wine is made from the indigenous "Maria Gomes" grape, more broadly known in Portugal as Fernão Pires, and all but unknown in the States. In the hands of a master, it delivers an outrageously charming value.
This fresh bottling deserves a few shakes to deliver oxygen to the wine, upon which it opens massively. Transitioning from an initial invigorating yeast-dusted pineapple, it blossoms with lilies, ginger root, freshly peeled Muscat grapes and kumquat. Finishing long and satisfyingly dry with pebbly minerality and refreshing acidity. This charismatic, full-flavored 12.5% ABV dry white is must-try stuff!
“Herbal and citric on the nose, with a medium- to full-bodied palate, chiseled and delineated white fruit, precise acidity and a great, mouthwatering sensation. It combines energy with substance. Aged in stainless steel. Exceptional value. Drink now or hold.”
- 94 Points, James Suckling (11/11/2025)
We spy 16 listings for this 94-Point thirst quencher. Our price ducks under 'em all!
Vin Chicago Price: 13.99
