91

2010 Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas White Wine, Beiras

( £10.95, 12%, The Wine Society )

A taut, minerally, screwcapped white blend from a producer whose white wines age really well and are just as good as his more famous reds. Fresh, unoaked and slightly smoky with hints of jasmine and ginger spice and a long, satisfying finish. Portugal’s answer to Chablis, with a hint of Riesling thrown in, this proves that local grapes like Bical and Cercial are capable of producing thrilling, bottle-matured white wines. 

BuyDrinking window: 2012-17Similar Wines: £10-£20, 91-95, Portugal, White, Bical, Cerceal, Sercialinho