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, normally also associated with the quantities that are made available on the market.
In other words, a wine that is produced in large quantities tends to have a more affordable price, while small productions usually drive prices up. It is the old law of economics which dictates that prices tend to adjust according to supply and demand.
This means that a wine that is distributed in large quantities tends to have a lower price, while other, rarer wines assume higher prices, regardless of their real quality.
This is, however, a rule that in the case of wines also has many other variants. First of all, the region, the productivity and the style of wines. Due to the difficulties and associated production costs, a wine from the Douro or the Azores, has higher costs from the start, as those that are staged and stay longer in the cellar have costs that end up being reflected in the final price.
But memory, taste, style or status also dictate consumer preferences and appreciation. That is, the price does not always depend on the quality of the wine, which is ultimately worth what the consumer is willing to pay for it. And there are cases where for very moderate prices it is possible to take home a bottle that will not compromise dinner. We selected four whites, four reds and a rosé for up to 8 euros that do not compromise a dinner.
Name Full Moon Rose 2021
Producer Full Moon – Saven, Ltd
castes Several in old vines
Region Douro
alcoholic degree 12 percent
Price (euros) 4.79
Punctuation 88
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results With a very open pink color and fruity aroma, it surprises in the mouth due to its great harmony, soft texture, delicacy and depth of taste. Forget the color and it is a wine of great balance, a lot of freshness and assertive acidity that prolongs its taste. Always very smooth and tasty, for light meals. Red grape varieties with some white ones mixed in the vineyard and fermented together to give this very particular profile.
Name Count Vimioso Sommeliers Edition White 2020
Producer Falua, Wine Society, SA
castes Arinto, Fernão Pires and Verdelho
Region Tagus
alcoholic degree 12.5 percent
Price (euros) 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, enhancing its gastronomic aptitude. The grape varieties are fermented separately in order to enhance their characteristics, and the batch ends up highlighting the fresh and silky side of Verdelho. Floral and citrus aroma, some smoke from the wood, ripe sensations, macerated herbs and some vegetables on the palate, fine and elegant structure, with the final freshness and dryness giving intensity and highlighting the gastronomic vocation.
Name Reverse Monologue 2020
Producer A&D Wines, Baião
castes inside out
Region Vinho Verde
alcoholic degree 13 percent
Price (euros) 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 wide, intense and crunchy, with fruity notes of jam and guava wrapped in a beautiful acidic balance. Tense finish, with very subtle smoked notes and a light tannin trail, giving good gastronomic suitability.
Name Romeira Chardonnay 2018
Producer Enoport, Rio Maior
castes Chardonnay
Region IGP Lisbon
alcoholic degree 12.5 percent
Price (euros) 7
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Lemony, silky and above all with a beautiful balance between the fruity palate, citrus freshness and round body. Some greasiness even, which is involved with the citrus fruit that crosses vegetal sensations that refer more to the vine than to the typical characteristics of the variety. The prolonged aging in used barrels gives it structure and intensity in the mouth. Ideal for cooking with fish in the pan or in the oven.
Name Tongue Lock Puddles Red 2019
Producer Manoel Poças Júnior
castes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz
Region Douro
alcoholic degree 12.6 percent
Price (euros) 6
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results It is not, nor is it intended to be, a great wine, but it is a beautiful wine. Balanced, soft and fruity, those that help to enjoy and appreciate wines. The aroma is vinous, with floral and red fruit sensations, the mouth is soft and reinforces the atmosphere of fresh fruit – raspberries and wild berries – and a medium finish, with a light structure, soft tannin and some extension. Very well designed and tuned, there is no one who doesn’t like it.
Name Andreza Reserva Red 2019
Producer Full Moon in Vinhas Velhas, Alijó
castes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
Region Douro
alcoholic degree 13.5 percent
Price (euros) 7.15
Punctuation 90
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Serious and structured wine. Intense and complex in the aroma, with ripe fruit and already married to the barrel notes. In the mouth it is elegant and structured, with very good freshness, complexity and fruity palate, with notes of forest and red fruits. It ends deep, with good persistence and proves to be able to withstand even the most intense challenges at the table.
Name Redondo Red 2019
Producer Relvas House, Round
castes Aragonês, Trincadeira, Castelão and others
Region Alentejo
alcoholic degree 14 percent
Price (euros) 8
Punctuation 89
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results The open color, the balanced profile and the fresh aroma completely involve a complex structure and the alcoholic component, and that is the great virtue of this wine from Casa Relvas. Another very captivating facet is its fine texture and gastronomic vocation, especially 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.
Name Frei João Reserva Red 2018
Producer Caves S. João, Sangalhos
castes Berry, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional
Region bairrada
alcoholic degree 12.5 percent
Price (euros) 8
Punctuation 88
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results A classic that never goes out of style. Quite the contrary, as with the passage of time it even reinforces the characteristics of elegance and freshness that give it gastronomic breadth. Therefore, it is very likely that you will find older vintages at much higher prices. It’s one of those wines that probably don’t impress at the first sip, but that conquer the palate as they are appreciated. Especially at the table.
Name Red Periquita 2020
Producer Jose Maria da Fonseca, Azeitão
castes Castelão, Trincadeira and Aragonês
Region Setúbal Peninsula
alcoholic degree 13 percent
Price (euros) 4
Punctuation 85
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results Adapted to the times and market preferences, 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 taste of consumers.
Name Adega de Penalva Reserva Red 2017
Producer Cooperative Winery of Penalva do Castelo
castes Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen
Region give
alcoholic degree 13 percent
Price (euros) 8
Punctuation 91
Author José Augusto Moreira
Test results A typical Dão, very well balanced in the combination of three of the region’s representative varieties (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen). Time only reinforces its harmony and gastronomic aptitude, so the older the harvest, the better it will behave at the table. Deep and fresh aroma, with notes of pine needles and wild flowers, fruity and lively palate, firm tannins and beautiful balance. Ask for strong foods.
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