Top 10 Best Portuguese Wines of 2024: A Celebration of Excellence and Tradition

Portuguese Wines: the wait is over. At the 18th edition of Essência do Vinho, a panel of fifty experts from around the world has compiled the list of the top 10 Portuguese wines. Tastings were conducted strictly in blind conditions.

How to Choose the Right Wine for a Gift or Personal Indulgence?

The selection of Portuguese wines is incredibly vast, even when considering only national bottles. Thanks to the latest edition of Essência do Vinho, Leggo Algarve is excited to reveal some true gems that are guaranteed to impress.

This prestigious ranking of the best Portuguese wines of 2024 features outstanding selections from various regions, including Douro, Alentejo, and the Setúbal Peninsula. The competition was not limited to red, white, and rosé wines—an exceptional Moscatel also stood out among the fortified wines, cementing its status as a benchmark in the wine industry.

The evaluation process was conducted through blind tastings by a carefully selected jury of over 50 international experts—including journalists, critics, sommeliers, and importers—representing 14 different countries, including Brazil, Italy, the United States, and Japan. Without knowing the identity of the wines, the judges meticulously analyzed 65 carefully selected samples, ultimately identifying the finest of 2024.

The verdict was announced at Essência do Vinho, held at the Palácio da Bolsa in Porto on February 21st.

Here Are the Results: The Top 10 Portuguese Wines of 2024, Divided by Category

Best Red Wines

• Domingos Alves de Sousa Reserva Pessoal 2015 (Douro) – A masterful blend of tradition and innovation, this red wine captivates with its complexity and depth. Crafted by winemaker Tiago Alves de Sousa.
• Casa da Passarella Villa Oliveira Vinha Centenária Pai d’Aviz 2018 (Dão) – A masterpiece from Dão that perfectly balances elegance and intensity.
• Casa da Atela Anabela Grande Reserva 2019 (Tejo) – An extraordinary red wine that embodies the essence of the Tejo region.

Best White Wines

• Pai Chão Grande Reserva 2022 (Alentejo) – A unique white wine from Alentejo, created by the talented winemaker Carlos Rodrigues.
• Quinta de San Michel A Névoa de Janas 2020 (Lisbon) – A refreshing and mineral-rich wine that delights with every sip.
• Crosta Calcária dos Profetas 2023 (Madeira) – A white wine that captures the essence of Madeira with a modern touch.

Best Rosé Wine

• Costa Boal Homenagem di António Boal Reserva 2023 (Douro) – A refined and surprising rosé, crafted by the Costa Boal Family Estates and winemaker Paulo Nunes.

Best Aged and Fortified Wines

• José Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924 (Setúbal) – A century-old masterpiece created by Domingos Soares Franco, a true icon of Portuguese Moscatel. This prestigious bottle is priced at over €1,000.
• Barbeito O Americano Malvasia 50 Anos (Madeira) – An iconic Madeira wine with a price tag of around €800.
• Menin Porto Branco 50 Anos (Porto) – A refined and complex white Port, a perfect representation of this style, available for approximately €210.

A Bright and Promising Future for Portuguese Wines

This exclusive selection of the top 10 Portuguese wines of 2024 showcases the nation’s excellence in winemaking. In recent years, Portugal has gained increasing international recognition, blending native grape varieties with modern techniques to preserve tradition while embracing innovation. From the renowned Ports and Madeiras to the intense reds of Douro, Portuguese wines continue to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Sustainability is also a key focus, adding even more value to Portuguese wines. Winemakers are looking to the future with confidence, prioritizing quality and uniqueness to maintain Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in the wine industry.