7 de March, 2024
The 18th edition of the “TOP 10 Portuguese Wines” contest revealed the most acclaimed wines by an international jury. This year, the Douro Demarcated Region dominated the awards, highlighting the quality and diversity of the awarded wines. The selection of the best Portuguese wines of 2024 took place at the Palácio da Bolsa, during the renowned wine festival Essência do Vinho – Porto, in its twentieth edition. The choice of the winning wines was made through a blind tasting, with the participation of 46 international judges (from countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Mexico, and South Africa). Fifty samples of white, rosé, red, and fortified wines were evaluated. See below for the selected ones.
With the highest score in the competition, the red wine Memórias Alves de Sousa was crowned the grand winner. This exceptional blend combines harvests from the 2010s (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019) and comes from vineyards in Gaivosa, Abandonado, Lordelo, Vale da Raposa, Caldas, and Oliveirinha, some of which are over 100 years old.
In the white wine category, the highlight goes to Coche 2021, produced by Niepoort. This wine, predominantly made with Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, and Arinto grapes from vineyards with over 80 years old and altitudes between 600 and 750 meters, impressed the panel of judges.
In the rosé segment, H.O. Matrona 2022, from Menin Wine Company, was the grand winner. This is a blend of grape varieties such as Malvasia Preta, Baga, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Mourisco, and still 5% of old white grape varieties from the region, providing a unique experience.
And let’s not forget about fortified wines, where Henriques & Henriques Tinta Negra 50 Years, from Madeira, stood out. This is the second batch crafted by Humberto Jardim, demonstrating the excellence and tradition of Madeiran wines.
Read also: Portuguese Wines in bag-in-box packaging
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Red Wine:
1st Memórias, Domingos Alves de Sousa, Douro
2nd D. Áurea 2021, Textura Wines, Dão
3rd Segredo 6 Cuvée Vinhas Velhas 2020, 2CC, Trás-os-Montes
4th Pintas 2021, Wine & Soul, Douro
5th Quinta da Perdonda 1st Talhão (1948) 2018, Quinta da Perdonda – Wine Tradition, Dão
White Wine:
1st Coche 2021, Niepoort Vinhos, Douro
2nd Vinha dos Aards Criação Velha 1st Jeirões 2020, Azores Wine Company, Pico – Azores
Rosé Wine:
1st H.O. Matrona 2022, Menin Wine Company, Douro
Fortified Wine:
1st Henriques & Henriques Tinta Negra 50 Years, Henriques & Henriques, Madeira Wine
2nd Verídico Very Very Old Tawny 1900, Mily Heritage Wine Million & Dirk Niepoort, Port Wine
Essence of Wine is a wine festival known for its magnitude, annually attracting about 20 thousand visitors and over 400 producers of various styles of wine, including the prestigious Port wine. It’s an event recommended for wine enthusiasts and curious individuals, who gather to discover the latest vintages through technical presentations and, of course, tastings. With the purchase of a ticket to the event, participants receive a glass and have access to an impressive selection of over 4 thousand wines available for tasting. During the four days of the event, more than 15 thousand bottles are opened, providing a unique experience of learning, appreciation, and discovery. Additionally, Essence of Wine offers a variety of activities, including guided tastings, masterclasses, and pairings, starting as early as 9:30 in the morning, allowing participants to further explore the fascinating world of wines.
Author:
Silvia Resende
