The Enthusiast - July 2025
Hello to summer. Hello to hot afternoons at the beach. Hello to ice cubes and summer dresses. Hello to flip flops, tennis whites and fat bumblebees. Most of all, hello to crisp, cool rosé, refreshing white wine and bbq-friendly red wine.
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.
Casa da Atela, Pinot Rosé
[grape/vintage] Pinot Noir / 2022
[region] Lisboa
This dusky-coloured, smooth yet spicy rosé is as mysterious and magical as a vintage Citroën 2CV parked on the cliffs above Praia Grande at sunset.
Goes really well as an aperitif, or almost anything between April and October, a grilled white fish, a cataplana or even roast quail.
Check it out in The Cellar.
Dona Paterna, Alvarinho/Trajadura
[grape/vintage] Alvarinho, Trajadura / 2022
[region] VinhoVerde
Clear blue skies over a dazzlingly hot beach. You’ve just spent an hour or two jumping in the sea, your feet are sandy, your mouth is dry. It’s Vinho Verde time! And this Alvarinho/Trajadura blend is the perfect solution to your cotton mouth and goes smashingly well with the bowl of fresh clams that’s just appeared in front of you.
Pairs well with a chargrilled octopus on a bed of roast potatoes, a bowl of clams in lemon and garlic, a soft, pungent goat cheese.
Check it out in The Cellar.
ZOM, Reserva Tinto
[grape/vintage] Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional / 2019
[region] Douro
An old stone wall, creeping blackberry vines, a gnarled old oak tree. A steep, terraced hillside and far below, the dark and dusty Douro River. This is a classic Douro red, with a solid base of Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional but finished off with a mystery blend of old vine grapes. Open a wee bit chilled, then allow it to breathe and tell its story.
Pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, pasta carbonara or some meat empanadas wouldn’t disappoint.
Check it out in The Cellar.
