You’re lying among the wild grasses of a lemon orchard, head against the trunk of an old lemon tree. Noonday sunlight filters down through the leaves, glinting on the bright yellow fruit. You’ve not a care in the world, nowhere to be, nothing to do but soak up the warm sun and smell the flowers. Now put that in a bottle and drink it.
Pair with grilled langoustine with a buttery dipping sauce, a flakey white fish like sea bream, or crack it open with some light tapas.
Casa Américo, Touriga Nacional
Rich, refined, opulent and a little bit dangerous, this silky-smooth Touriga Nacional speaks of homemade plum jam and black velvet slippers and wild nymphs in the midnight forest. It will work its magic across the courses and across your palate.
Pairs well with a succulent, seasoned piece of venison, a Sunday roast, some strong cheeses or dense rich fruit cake. Decant and let it open up, a good couple of hours.
First it was ‘trousseau’ (bridal gift) back in France, then it emigrated to Portugal and got called ‘bastardo’ (illegitimate). Hmmm…some wedding present! Well, either way, this wine is expressive and gentle all at the same time. It’s finely poised with a flurry of wild berries and red fruits, and a wee sprinkle of coffee, caramel and smoky tannins presented on a silver platter of bright acidity.
Pair with white or red meats, mature cheeses, or break the rules and surprise yourself by pairing with a citrus fish or ceviche.
