Porto has a reputation for wine but most visitors only scratch the surface. In this episode I go deeper into what I actually drank on my recent trip, from Vinho Verde at the Mercado do Bolhão to pink port at the Yeatman, and everything in between.
We cover:
Vinho Verde — what it actually is, why it works so well with sardines, and why it’s more of an apéritif than a dinner wine
Alvarinho — the white wine worth seeking out and why it’s the Portuguese white I’ll be looking for at home
Espadal — the farmer’s rosé on tap at Tasca da Badalhoca, why it’s known as the wine of the poor, and why it’s better than that name suggests
Mateus Rosé — where it came from, why it went global, and how it connects to that glass of Espadal
The Pink Palace at WOW — five glasses of rosé and what I learned about Portugal’s relationship with pink wine
Port — the full story: how it came about, the English connection, Ruby versus Tawny, vintage versus blended, and why Late Bottled Vintage is the best value for money
Pink port and tonic — why I’m now keeping a bottle in the cupboard at all times
If you’re planning a trip to Porto and are wondering what to drink beyond the obvious, this one’s for you.
The European Compass is a podcast for culturally curious travellers who believe food is the best way into a place. New episodes explore food culture across Europe — not just what to eat, but what it means. Read the companion publication at theeuropeancompass.com