What is the point of congesting the already overloaded, glutted wine market with yet more products? The point is made when the monopoly is not meeting the needs of discerning consumers who want something a little extra, something with quality at an affordable price. And this is where Viinitkotiin steps in with some knock-out Portuguese wines as part of their range of wines from all over the world. But first let’s clear the palate with a swig of some excellent Champagne.

From the small, exclusive house of Francois Vallois, situated in the village of Bergères-les-Vertus, 20 km south of the famous Epernay, comes a selection of top quality Grand Cru Champagne. One highlight is the Mellisimé 2002, a vintage Champagne made with 100 per cent Chardonnay grapes. It speaks of huge elegance and structure, with a marvelous mix of floral and nuttiness that extends into the long finish. This would go beautifully with foie gras and would stand up to a robust grilled steak. The line-up from this house is equally impressive with a Blanc de Blanc, a blended Rosé (available in 750 ml or 375 ml) and Demi-Sec (available in 750 ml and 375 ml).

Portugal has long been standing in the shadow of Spain and other European wine-producing countries. It boasts the most varietals of any country in the world and these have mostly developed in isolation because few have actually crossed the borders of Portugal. Because these are not as well-known as the more traditional grapes, the wines are particularly underrated. All this, however, is changing and one viticulturist who understands the importance of including something a little more familiar to the consumer is David Booth from Fita Preta. He and his internationally trained winemaker, Antonio Macanita, have combined forces to produce some really exciting blends with interesting labels. Whether you like the label or not, you have to admit that it’s always a talking point, and don’t think that the contents are not up to scratch. You will be amazed.

With varietals such as Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonez and Cabernet Sauvignon, Sexy Red comes out with boldness on the nose, which is followed up by a full flavor of ripe tannins and a long finish. The Rosé is a real wine, unlike so many rosés out there. It is elegant and masculine in spite of the feminine colour. Sexy White has structure and good balance. Another offering from this exciting winery is Fita Preta, which has exactly the kind of earthiness one expects of a Portuguese wine and no wonder, because it is entirely made of local varietals. But it retains its elegance and comes out proudly in the face of more familiar grapes.

Viinitkotiin is firm in its belief that there are not enough good Portuguese wines available at Alko and hence, its strong concentration on this region. Others in the portfolio include Grainha Red, Douro DOC and Consensual Reserva Especial. The former has a promising nose that does not disappoint with plummy, ripe fruit and spices in the mouth and a long finish. Consensual is a huge wine that proudly presents itself and invites you to enjoy its fullness with flavours of ripe black fruits.

VIOLETTA TEETOR