That’s 200 gallons to be exact – the same amount that each American household was allowed to make for ‘personal use’ during Prohibition.

And the go-to grape during this DIY time wasn’t Cabernet or Merlot, it was the bold and juicy Alicante Bouschet - widely planted in California but originally from Portugal.

Today, award-winning winemaker Jamie Quendera has crafted a mighty, Reserva-quality red, from rare 100-year-old vines.

And the unique twist? Jamie aged the wine for 12 months in custom double casks. The top and bottom are French oak (imparting subtle spice) while the long side planks are American (for vanilla notes).

The result is an ultra-smooth, cherry-ripe, well-spiced drop!

Rarely, if ever, is it seen on its own. That didn’t deter José - a talented winemaker, credited by wine journo Tim Atkin as the man behind Portugal’s wine revolution.

José saw potential in this dark Portuguese star and his conviction has paid off. Aluado is now one of our customers’ favourite reds with over 1000 5-star reviews.

Winning Gold medals almost every vintage, Jose makes the wine at his family estate, Quinta de Porto Franco, just north of Lisbon.

A rich, velvety red, great solo or with grilled meats and stews.

Style wise, it’s a great wine for, say, Pinot Grigio lovers wanting to branch out.

Portugal has a fascinating array of these indigenous grapes and they are finally getting the attention they deserve, thanks to a new generation of winemakers in charge of modern cellars.

Amoras is from an estate north of Lisbon, owned for several generations now by the da Silva family.

The soils, slopes and climate – ocean breezes combined with long sunny days – make this an ideal area for grape growing.

Chill the wine and enjoy by itself or with seafood, salad or sushi, and raise a glass to Portugal.

If you like dry, bright, berry-fresh rosés, then you'll love Portugal’s new wave rosados. This country cultivates a myriad of exciting red varieties which, when picked early, with lots of refreshing zip, make perfect crisp pinks. Amoras is from a single estate 40km north of Lisbon, Casa Santos Lima, which has been owned by the same family for four generations.

The wine is named after the wild blackberry bushes that frame the vineyards, giving the local wildlife something other than tasty grapes to feed on! For this refreshing rosé, the winemaker selected Portugal’s prized native grapes, plus a portion of deep, blackcurrant Cabernet. It's a tasty drop on its own and ideal with seafood, salads, at a barbecue or with Asian cuisine.

Sip with a cheese plate and dried fruits after Christmas lunch – a beautiful pairing.

Let’s go back in time! To the 1st century AD and vineyards planted to serve the ruling elite at the thriving Roman port of Troia. Here, on Portugal’s windswept Atlantic coast, the only grape that thrives in the dry, sandy soils and super-hot sun is local star Castelão. This small, dark-skinned grape boasts fathomless depths of flavour – if you know how to unlock it.

Back to today and enter Gold-medal maestro Jaime Quendera at Portugal’s most awarded winery, Casa Ermelinda Freitas. Only made in the best years, this Black Red flies of our shelves as soon as it's in stock. So our advice is: if you see it, buy it! Rippling with ripe plums, black fruits and laced with chocolate, with a spicy oak finish. At 14.5% it’s got power, so sip slowly.

Strawberry and apple aromas spring from the glass. It’s made by the doyen of Portuguese wine, José Neiva. As Tim Atkin MW pointed out, “the Portuguese wine revolution wouldn’t have happened without him”.

Over the last decade, José’s cellar has won more awards than any other, with wines offering “ripe, accessible fruit, lush textures and good concentration, all at very affordable prices” (Jamie Goode).

In this mouthwatering pink he uses ripe, juicy Touriga Nacional for its unmatchable summer fruit character.

Perfect for picnics, with cold meats, chicken, veggie kebabs and so much more.