The Enthusiast - May 2025
Here’s a joke for anyone who went to elementary school in the United States…if April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? …well, in Portugal, some damn fine wine from The Wine Fellas (real answer below) who are completely unconvinced by the recent glimmer of warm weather, so we’re not going full crisp white wines yet.
Instead, as the Atlantic sorts out its anti-cyclonic weather pattern, we’ve selected some versatile, gastronomic wines and we suggest you keep the pizza oven going!
(answer to the joke: pilgrims…Google it.)
As always, wine descriptions below, and if you run out, you can order more from The Cellar.
Don’t forget, you can look up past boxes in The Archive.
Luís Pato, Maria Gomes
[grape/vintage] Maria Gomes / 2023
[region] Bairrada
Look up value for money in the dictionary and it says “Luis Pato”. The guy just knows how to bottle it. This is one of the best, most-drinkable table whites you’ll find. It’s a fruit orchard wrapped in a lemon slice and filtered through decades of good living.
Pairs well with…a fresh grilled sea bream à bulhão pato, clams in a rich garlicky broth or a big outdoor garden party.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Ribeiro Santo, Cimento Tinto
[grape/vintage] Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Touriga Nacional / 2016
[region] Dão
An old quinta overlooks a rocky valley. You’ve just climbed 500m on your bicycle to get here. You’re sweaty and sore and exhilirated. What a view. You rest the bike up against a dry stone wall. You notice creepers along the wall, filled with bright red raspberries. You pop one in your mouth. OMG. The delicate tart sweetness. The juice wets your dry lips. You tilt your head to the sun. Pure heaven. It all combines in perfect balance. This wine is like that: juicy, refreshing, earthy and ancient all at the same time.
Pairs well with…pheasant stewed with plums, lamb tagine, or an aged manchego cheese with quince paste.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Anexo, Tinto (intervenção mínima)
[grape/vintage] Alicante Bouschet, Aragonês, Trincadeira / 2021
[region] Alentejo
This feisty, complex and very drinkable, low-intervention red – a street fighter in a velvet catsuit – matures to perfection in stainless steel, old oak barrels and clay amphora (talha). It’s spontaneous and fresh but with all the wisdom and subtle touch of an old session musician.
Pairs well with…a good old fashioned roast, some sausages off the barbie, or even a fatty fish.
Check it out in The Cellar.