Explore the latest additions to the region’s increasingly sophisticated wine scene
A soft-spoken Chardonnay
In Porches, Quinta dos Capinhas has just released its 2024 Chardonnay Reserva (€15), a delicately oaked white that favours nuance over ostentation.
Quinta dos Capinhas
The nose is quietly expressive, with herbal notes, suggestions of orange peel and restrained ripe yellow fruit, all framed by discreet, well-integrated oak.
On the palate, the yellow fruit carries through, with nectarine emerging on the finish, lending grace and persistence. A well-judged acidity counterpoints the wine’s creamy texture and gentle vanilla tones, resulting in a refined, poised Chardonnay that is still youthful and will reward a little further bottle age.
French influences
Since 2008, Quinta do Francês has been adding a distinctly French accent to the Algarve’s increasingly sophisticated wine scene, earning a reputation for Bordeaux-inspired reds of real character. This year sees the release of the new vintage of its single-varietal Quinta do Francês Syrah Terraços 2022 (€32).
Quinta do Francês
Aged for 17 months in new French oak, it is a deep ruby wine with exuberant aromas of wild black berries, spice, cracked pepper, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate.
On the palate, it is powerful yet polished, with ample structure, velvety tannins and an effortless elegance that carries through to a long, resonant finish.
Bubbles, berries and brioche
Just in time for balmy summer evenings, Arvad has launched a pink Negra Mole Espumante Rosé (€36). Ballet-slipper pink in the glass, this sparkler delivers a fine, persistent mousse and a nose of red berries and zesty citrus, all wrapped in a delicate brioche note from ageing on the lees.
Arvad
On the palate, the bubbles are exceptionally elegant, smoothing and lifting the wine’s refreshing natural acidity into a long, mouthwatering finish.
The Arvad Espumante Rosé is a born entertainer at the table, moving effortlessly from briny Algarve seafood to creamy cheeses, charcuterie boards piled high with cured meats, and even fruit-driven desserts.
An alpine rarity
On the left bank of the Arade River in Silves, something quite singular has been taking shape. Previously released under the name Sentidos Raros Branco, Quinta dos Sentidos has now unveiled the Algarve’s first officially recognised Petite Arvine single-varietal: Raros 2025 (€30).
Quinta dos Sentidos
It marks a true milestone for the estate, which spent 3 years securing authorisation from the Wine Institute to display both this Swiss grape variety and the vintage on the label. The wine is finally available – though in strictly limited quantity, with only 520 bottles produced.
Capped in beeswax and bearing an amphora on the label, Raros 2025 is a fresh yet ample, gastronomic white with striking structure and a clear capacity to age.
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