This year it's settled, we're spending summer holidays in Quebec to enjoy all its beauty. But that doesn't mean you can't get a change of scenery, especially when it comes time to choose the menu and wines for your vacation. To that end, the Portugal selection is full of gems, in both white and red.  


To help you in your choices, here are 6 suggestions, most of which to serve chilled, to sip as aperitifs and pair with summer dishes. 

Aveleda Alvarinho

Established in the Vinho Verde region since 1850, Aveleda is very popular on the market, so much so that it is almost synonymous with the appellation here. Known as Albariño in Galicia, Alvarinho expresses all its vitality in the Minho region located in the northwest of Portugal. Crunchy, fruity and mineral, this cuvée will shine alongside fried fish or shellfish, like with a starter of codfish fritters.  

Recipe: codfish fritters

Aveleda Regional Lisboa

While Aveleda is a master in the vinification of whites, the family business extends its expertise beyond the borders of Vinho Verde to offer you a lovely red that will please all palates. Under the Aromatic and supple profile, it reveals aromas of black cherry, spices, raspberry and mocha. This is the most robust of the bunch, but as its tag suggests, it offers enough suppleness to be versatile. It pairs perfectly with a good burger (bonus points if you add blue cheese) and chicken on the grill. 
 
 

Recipe: portuguese-style grilled chicken

Gazela Vinho Verde

Fruity and sweet, this semi-dry white offers aromas of citrus, melon and floral notes. With an alcohol content of 9%, a price sweet as its profile and a twist-off cap, it’s just right for picnics! Very pleasant with a salad of grilled shrimp, mango and avocado. It’s also a very good choice when you take time off from cooking to order from your favorite Asian restaurant
 

Recipe: grilled shrimp, mango and avocado salad

Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos DOC Douro

A pioneer and leader in the production of unfortified Douro wines (as opposed to ports), family-owned Casa Ferreirinha highlights the region's indigenous grape varieties by growing them at high altitudes and promoting an exposure that allows the vines to be better tempered. It results in cuvées with balance and welcome freshness. This seductive white imbued with a pretty minerality will go perfectly with fish and seafood, why not in brochettes. 

Recipe: seafood brochettes

Niepoort Nat'Cool Drink Me

Niepoort is another Portuguese family business with a long history dating back to 1842. First established in the Douro and known for its ports, it has constantly evolved through the generations. It's latest innovative concept, Nat'Cool, offers light and easy drinking wines. Born from a blend of local grape varieties, the fermentation ends in the bottle, which explains its light bubbles and slightly veiled colour. It offers notes of herbs, green apple and lemon, in a very digestible and refreshing ensemble. Delicious and displaying a moderate alcohol level, its one litre format is ideal for big gatherings, let’s say for a family corn roast. 
 

Recipe: grilled corn on the cob with feta, basil and oregano

Niepoort Nat'Cool Drink Me Bairrada

Here is the red version of the Nat'Cool concept. Made with the Baga grape variety, this wine is elaborated with the least possible intervention, a lower alcohol level and exceptional drinkability. Offered in a one litre format, this wine from the Bairrada region unveils scents of ripe cherry, sweet spices and flowers. Serve it chilled simply with a roast chicken, a charcuterie platter or beef carpaccio should the heat be on and your oven/grill off.  

Recipe: beef carpaccio with arugula and Parmesan

In partnership with Wines of Portugal