Eleanor Read
Everyone needs someone to rely on. Or something. And Quinta de Bons-Ventos is about as reliable as they come. For a long time it has been my staple, my fall back, my always-a-winner tipple of choice. This is an absolute gem of a wine and never fails to impress. From Portugal, itâs a blend of four grape varieties. One of these, Touriga Nacional, is most commonly used in Port production. This is certainly evident with a beautiful deep colour and velvety richness in the mouth. The three month ageing in oak provides cinnamon and clove warmth and a lovely spicy finish. But donât let these heavy autumnal flavours put you off. Thereâs still tons of fruit which remains juicy and fresh. It marries beautifully with grilled lamb dishes and Moroccan spice. If I could bring myself to tip the lot in a saucepan Iâd hazard a guess it makes unbeatable mulled wine too.
Portugal canât help but produce some fantastic wines at the moment. The value is incredible, the blends are different and intriguing and the passion of the winemakers is unending. There is a reason why I keep going back to this wine, and itâs not just its concrete reliability. Itâs seriously good stuff.
Quinta de Bons-Ventos 2008,
£6.49 (or £5.19 as part of a mixed case of 12) from, among others, www.oddbins.com.
