Crafted by an award-winning family winery, it hits the spot with its dark, ripe fruit overlaid by spicy oak.

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.

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!

We’ve long been champions of the great wines from Jaime Quendera, as he weaves his magic in various cellars in southern Portugal. Here he’s worked with the team at the renowned Co-operative Pegões, listed as the ‘best co-op in Portugal’ a few years back. Sourcing the grapes from the Setúbal Peninsula, he’s blended top native varieties Castelão, Aragonez and Touriga Nacional.

This popular blend of local grapes makes an expressive, fresh, and fruity rosé. As Jaime says about the region and its ideal conditions and fabulous grapes, "wines from the Setúbal – lucky us, lucky you". Enjoy this lively pink well chilled, to best taste the burst of crisp summer berries that cascade from the glass. Sip solo or with salads or a light seafood platter.

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.