Wine of the week #6 2016

Luis Pato, Vinhas Velhas, Branco, 2012

I first fell for the wines of Luis Pato about 18 months ago, whilst holidaying in Portugal. I picked up this and his red Vinhas Velhas (it means old vines in Portugese) in the supermarket for under €8 per bottle and was smitten by both. This retails for £12 and the red for nearer £20 in the UK and are both still great value in my opinion. So if you go to Portugal on holiday fill your boots!

A blend of indigenous varieties; Bical, Cercial and Sercialinho, this has a nice smokey nose. Pepper on the tongue, followed by grapefruit lime and toasty notes. Really exciting and complex, with both sour and salty notes. The minerally finish goes on forever. This is a wine that I'd like to see develop over a few years as i think it has some legs. Highly recommended.

£12.95, www.uncorked.co.uk (for the 2013 vintage)