It’s not often that I am truly impressed with a red wine costing less than €10 retail price. But whilst shopping at the Auchan supermarket in Portimão last week, this 2013 Bairrada caught my eye, costing just €5.49.

The wine is made by one of the big producers of the region, Caves Messias, and is a blend of Syrah, Baga, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, from the company’s Quinta do Valdoeiro vineyard.

2013 was an excellent year in the Bairrada region and this wine has aged extremely well over the last six years; in fact, I would say it is at peak drinking age.

This is a delicate, medium-bodied wine with nice mature berry fruit and hints of violet on the nose. There are soft tannins from well incorporated oak and a good overall freshness in the mouth. Very difficult to beat for the price.

SOURCE: www.portugalresident.com