Portugal really has everything to be loved; its wines too. I've been going to them for 20 years now and I've never found them so good. Here are five to quench your thirst.

Two weeks ago, Montreal received a beautiful delegation of Portuguese winegrowers and winegrowers. Between the rising stars of Dão, Bairrada and Lisbon, the classic houses of Douro and Vinho Verde and some dynamic cooperative cellars, there was really something to enjoy. Often at bargain prices, too!

For all these reasons, I find it hard to understand that these wines, rich with a thousand-year-old history, are still shunned by so many local wine lovers. It makes you wonder if the excellent quality-price-pleasure ratio of Portuguese wines would not be detrimental to them. At last...

If the arrival of summer makes you want to explore new horizons, you will find plenty to explore in these bucolic lands which are home to just over 80 indigenous varieties. In addition to the star grape varieties Touriga Nacional and Alvarinho, we welcome the strong comeback of Bâga, Encruzado and Arinto, as well as the emergence of lesser-known pearls such as Alfrocheiro, Vital and Jampal. Does all this sound exotic? Imagine what it tastes like...

Santé! Health !

★★★ | 15,45 $ | Portugal | 11 % | 3,6 g/L

Code SAQ : 14042068

Facing the Atlantic, the Vinho Verde region, in the northwest of the country, abounds in white wines that are light in alcohol and unique in their organoleptic profile. This one weighs only 11%, but it offers lovely aromas of peach (alvarinho), citrus and white flowers (loureiro), as well as the tension of arinto. Dry, almost sparkling, with a touch of carbon dioxide, it has enough staying power to accompany an asparagus salad.

★★★1/2 | 16,10 $ | Portugal | 12% | 0,7 g/L

Code SAQ : 13074375

Dirk Niepoort understood that the future of the Douro, hot and arid, lay in the cooler areas. The rabigato, códega do larinho, gouveio, dona branca, viosinho and bical that make up his white Diálogo are grown between 350 and 500 meters above sea level. Rather delicate on the nose, the 2020 imposes itself on the palate with its consistency and salinity, a rather rare attribute in this price range. A treat with a whole fish in foil, especially if you add a few wild garlic leaves.

★★★★ | 19,30 $ | Portugal | 13,5 % | 2 g/L

Code SAQ : 11510102

Each year, I find in the wines of João Portugal Ramos and José Soares Franco the same signature of elegance, coupled with a smoothness that could not be more seductive. Their Colheita 2018 is no exception and its tannins, although firm, are coated with a velvety and gourmet texture, in which you want to bite into. Add to that a mineral finish and you have a Douro table wine that could not be more distinctive. Allow one hour in carafe or 3-4 years in the cellar.

★★1/2 | 12,15 $ | Portugal | 12,5 % | 1,9 g/L

Code SAQ : 12728904

This white wine from the Castendo cooperative winery is made from a winning trio of encruzado, malvasia and cerceal. The first brings firmness, the second generous flavors and the last, a healthy acidity. Dry, simple and refreshing. At this price, stock up for impromptu aperitifs.

★★★★ | 26,40 $ | Portugal | 12,5 % | 1,9 g/L

Code SAQ : 13629001

The climate of the Bairrada region bears the influence of the Atlantic Ocean which, combined with the contribution of the limestone soils of the appellation, gives this wine an irresistible freshness. Tiago Teles vinifies this blend of castelão, tinta barroca and alfrocheiro without adding yeast, with a limited contribution of sulphites. We will appreciate this 2020 for its supple attack, but also for its vigorous tannins and for the originality of its flavors of leather, earth, black fruits and spices.