Portuguese

Also known as: Blauer Portugieser, Portugais Bleu (France), Vöslauer (Austria)

A grape variety that has long been underestimated – not least because of its former role as a mass producer. Yet when taken seriously, Portugieser shows an accessible, easy-drinking side: soft fruit, low tannin, medium body. Not a variety for great ageing wines, but for wines that one wants to drink young and chilled.

The name is misleading: the variety has nothing to do with Portugal. It presumably originates from the Danube region and found its way early to Austria (Thermenregion) and Germany (Pfalz, Rheinhessen). At Haardt Hills in the Pfalz, it is treated with the attention it deserves.