Price is an important indicator, but the high price does not always correspond directly to the quality of the wine. In many cases the price is even a strategic option for the producer, usually also linked to the quantities that are made available on the market.
In other words, a wine produced in large quantities tends to have a more affordable price, while small productions usually drive up prices. It is the old law of economics which dictates that prices tend to adjust based on supply and demand.
This means that a wine distributed in large quantities tends to have a lower price, while other rarer wines assume higher prices, regardless of their actual quality.
This is, however, a rule that also has many other variations in the case of wines. First of all the territory, the productivity and the style of the wines. Due to the difficulties and associated production costs, a Douro or Azorean wine has higher costs from the start, as those that age and stay longer in the cellar have costs that end up being reflected in the final price.
But also memory, taste, style or status determine the preferences and appreciation of the consumer. That is, the price does not always depend on the quality of the wine, which in the end is worth what the consumer is willing to pay for it. And there are cases in which at very moderate prices it is possible to take home a bottle that does not compromise dinner. We have selected four whites, four reds and a rosé up to 8 euros that do not compromise a dinner.
First name Full Moon Pink 2021
Producer Full Moon – Saven, Ltd
castes Several in old vineyards
Region Douro
alcohol content 12 percent
Price (euro) 4.79
Punctuation 88
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results With a very open pink color and a fruity scent, it surprises in the mouth with its great harmony, soft consistency, delicacy and depth of taste. Forget the color and it is a wine of great balance, a lot of freshness and strong acidity that prolongs the taste. Always very soft and tasty, for light meals. Red grape varieties with some whites mixed in the vineyard and fermented together to give this very particular profile.
First name Conte Vimioso Sommeliers Edition White 2020
Producer Falua, Wine Company, SA
castes Arinto, Fernão Pires and Verdelho
Region Tejo
alcohol content 12.5 percent
Price (euro) 7.90
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results The blend has the particularity of being confirmed by a group of sommeliers, and perhaps hence the markedly fresh and dry profile, which enhance its gastronomic attitude. The vines are fermented separately to enhance their characteristics, and the game ends up highlighting the fresh and silky side of Verdelho. Floral and citrus scent, a little smoke from the wood, ripe sensations, macerated herbs and some vegetables on the palate, fine and elegant structure, with the final freshness and dryness that give intensity and highlight the gastronomic vocation.
First name Reverse monologue 2020
Producer Wines A&D, Baião
castes backwards
Region Vinho Verde
alcohol content 13 percent
Price (euro) 7.5
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Vineyards in organic production, with selection of the most representative portion of the harvest. Fruity aroma, with exotic and tropical notes, in a citrus background and mature atmosphere. In the mouth it is broad, intense and crunchy, with fruity notes of jam and guava wrapped in a beautiful acid balance. Tense finish, with very subtle smoky notes and a light trail of tannins, which give it a good gastronomic suitability.
First name Romeira Chardonnay 2018
Producer Enoport, Rio Maior
castes Chardonnay
Region IGP Lisbon
alcohol content 12.5 percent
Price (euro) 7
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Lemon, silky and above all with a beautiful balance between the fruity palate, citrus freshness and round body. Some greasiness also, which involves the citrus fruit that crosses vegetable sensations that refer more to the vine than to the typical characteristics of the grape. The prolonged aging in used barrels gives it structure and intensity in the mouth. Ideal for cooking with fish in a pan or in the oven.
First name Tongue Lock Red Puddles 2019
Producer Manoel Poças Junior
castes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz
Region Douro
alcohol content 12.6 percent
Price (euro) 6
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results It is not, nor does it intend to be, a great wine, but it is a beautiful wine. Balanced, soft and fruity, those that help to taste and appreciate wines. The scent is vinous, with floral and red fruit sensations, the mouth is soft and reinforces the atmosphere of fresh fruit – raspberries and berries – and a medium finish, with a light structure, soft tannins and some extension. Very well designed and tuned, there is no one who doesn’t like it.
First name Andreza Reserva Rosso 2019
Producer Full moon in Vinhas Velhas, Alijó
castes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
Region Douro
alcohol content 13.5 percent
Price (euro) 7.15
Punctuation 90
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Serious and structured wine. Intense and complex aroma, of ripe fruit and already married to the barrel notes. In the mouth it is elegant and structured, with excellent freshness, complexity and fruity palate, with notes of forest and red fruits. It closes deeply, with good persistence and proves to be able to withstand even the most intense challenges at the table.
First name Round Red 2019
Producer Casa Relvas, roundabout
castes Aragonês, Trincadeira, Castelão and others
Region Alentejo
alcohol content 14 percent
Price (euro) 8
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results The open color, the balanced profile and the fresh scent completely involve a complex structure and the alcoholic component, and this is the great value of this wine from Casa Relvas. Another very captivating facet is its fine texture and gastronomic vocation, above all thanks to its good acidity and herbaceous notes. Very expressive on the nose, with aromas of red fruits and balsamic notes, it is also rich and complex on the palate.
First name Frei João Riserva Rosso 2018
Producer S. João Caves, Sangalhos
castes Berries, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional
Region bairrada
alcohol content 12.5 percent
Price (euro) 8
Punctuation 88
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results A classic that never goes out of style. Indeed, as with the passage of time, it also strengthens the characteristics of elegance and freshness that give it gastronomic breath. Therefore, it is very likely that you will find older vintages at much higher prices. It is one of those wines that probably do not impress at the first sip, but that conquer the palate as they are appreciated. Especially at the table.
First name Red Parakeet 2020
Producer José Maria da Fonseca, Azeitão
castes Castelão, Trincadeira and Aragonês
Region Setúbal Peninsula
alcohol content 13 percent
Price (euro) 4
Punctuation 85
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Adapted to the times and preferences of the market, this is a true icon of Portuguese reds, bottled since 1850. A wine that maintains the gastronomic sense, elegant in its open color, fresh expression of acidity, fine mouth and even some extension. Now with some residual sugar, for a wider consumer taste.
First name Adega de Penalva Reserva Rosso 2017
Producer Cooperative winery of Penalva do Castelo
castes Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen
Region to give
alcohol content 13 percent
Price (euro) 8
Punctuation 91
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results A typical Dão, very well balanced in the combination of three of the representative varieties of the region (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen). Time only reinforces its harmony and gastronomic attitude, so the older the harvest, the better it will behave at the table. Deep and fresh aroma, with notes of pine needles and wildflowers, fruity and lively palate, strong tannins and beautiful balance. Ask for strong foods.