Albarrada Azul 2007

Portugal is a country where individuality flourishes, and offers much to discover for the adventurous wine lover. It has a similar climate to Spain, and is blessed with a dizzying array of native vine varieties. One of the trendiest regions right now is Alentejo, which, according to Decanter magazine, ''enjoys a near perfect climate little or no frost, and long, warm summers''. Giles McDonach of FT Magazine adds ''Many of Portugal's best wines come from the Alentejo''. Its wines are all the rage in nearby Lisbon, where they command high prices and are served in the city's swankiest restaurants. However, the wines of Alentejo are still little known in the UK, and our buyer was able to get a fantastic deal on this white as producers there are really keen for their wines to gain a wider international following. Indeed, winemaker Pedro Hippolito, who produced this white, selected his best vats to go into this exclusive blend. Albarrada Azul was made at a small cellar, Adega de Redondo, built 50 years ago but now furnished with the most up to date winemaking equipment. Overlooking the winery is an ancient monastery, which is decorated with the traditional blue tile work of Portugal featuring the classic flower vase motif or 'Albarrada' which inspired the name of this wine, and appears on the label.