It has had some liquid success. Port (the classic fortified wine), Vinho Verde (a zesty white style) and good old Mateus (a rosé worthy of more respect) are well-established; but its reds have never been taken as seriously as those made by its European neighbours (at least among the masses).
I still say that will change this year; especially when you consider that the majority of Portuguese reds deliver big, unique flavours for less than $15.
Sogrape is one of the country’s largest producers (it makes Mateus) and its Vila Regia 2007 ($8.95 - $11.99) is a great introduction to the wines of the Douro Valley. Made with many of the same grapes as port, it’s a dry, rustic red with a nice balance of oak and bitter cherry.
Also from Douro, Symington Family Estates’ Altano 2006 ($11.95 – $14.99) has a touch of raisiny sweetness flowing underneath its mature, dark plummy fruit.
