I recently attended the new Boston Wine Expo and I was especially impressed with the selections from Brands of Portugal. They offered a diverse mix of Portuguese wines, at a variety of price points, and I felt that many offered excellent values. However, I've long known that Portugal offers some of the best values in the wine world, and I receive confirmation constantly when I find and sample new Portuguese wines.
You can buy cheap bottles of Yellow Tail, Barefoot, or similar brands, but they aren't going to impress anyone. However, inexpensive Portuguese wines can and do impress. For example, I once held a private wine tasting event, with six wines from different countries. The overall favorite wine, which most impressed the guests and earned hearty raves, was a $6 Portuguese Vinho Verde!
Every year, exports of Portuguese wines to the U.S. grow, and in 2021, the U.S. was also Portugal's second largest market, at a value of about $129 Million. France took first place with about $131 Million. From 2020 to 2021, the fastest growing export market for Portuguese wines was the U.S., seeing a growth of about $19.2 Million. The growth in France was only $10 Million, so the U.S. could take the top spot in the next few years.
The U.S. is the top import market for Portuguese Vinho Verde wines, which are usually found at under $15, and can even be found at under $10. These are usually easy-drinking white wines with a touch of effervescence that are perfect for the summer and are excellent food wines too. There are certainly higher end Vinho Verde wines that are available as well, and that is more of a newer category in the U.S, and one worth seeking out.
The U.S. is the top import market for Portuguese Vinho Verde wines, which are usually found at under $15, and can even be found at under $10. These are usually easy-drinking white wines with a touch of effervescence that are perfect for the summer and are excellent food wines too. There are certainly higher end Vinho Verde wines that are available as well, and that is more of a newer category in the U.S, and one worth seeking out.
Portugal also offers numerous Red and Rosé wines, many produced from indigenous grapes, priced under $15. You'll find plenty of diversity at this low price point. As I've often said before, there is probably no other wine region in the world where you can find as many good wines under $15 than Portugal. You can find some in other wine regions, but they are far less common, and you'll have to seek much harder to locate them. Chances are that if you purchase a Portuguese wine costing $15 or less, you'll find a tasty wine, much better than similarly priced wines from most other regions.
I shouldn't fail to mention that Portugal makes plenty of fascinating high-end wines as well. They aren't simply a producer of inexpensive wine, but rather a diverse country of wine of all types and price points. In the near future, I'll be reviewing some of the Portuguese wines I tasted at the Expo from Brands of Portugal. And in the fall, I'll be traveling once again to Portugal, exploring Vinho Verde and the Douro.
As spring progresses, and summer approaches, you will want to stock up on inexpensive wines for your parties, BBQs, and gatherings. Seek out Portuguese wines and impress your family, friends and guests.
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