Tim Atkin MW has released his inaugural Portugal Report 2026, shining a well-deserved spotlight on one of Europe’s most exciting wine-producing countries. Following three weeks of tasting across Portugal, the report reviews 671 wines from 101 producers, celebrating quality, diversity, and the growing international reputation of Portuguese wines. At WineMason, we’re delighted to highlight the wines from our portfolio to you and key takeaways.
Please get in contact with Helene, Vera or Ben or email info@winemason.ie for more information.
Carlos Raposo Wines
Carlos Raposo who died earlier this year (41) was a native of the Dão region. Having studied enology and viticulture courses from a young age, he then completed a range of different internships and jobs around the world. Returning to his native Dão region, he took over the family vineyards around Nelas with the objective of making wines which not just translate the terroir of Dão but are fine, elegant and precise wines.
Ideal Branco 2023 – 94 points
A white blend of 60% Encruzado with Malvasia Fina, Bical and Cerceal from 50- to 80-year-old vines. Aged for 11 months in barriques from Puligny-Montrachet, it is beautifully poised and precise, combining saline tension with ripe citrus, pear and green apple freshness. Encruzado provides the backbone while supporting varieties add complexity. Elegant and deeply characterful, it finishes with subtle pineapple notes, stony petrichor and impressive mineral drive.
Ideal Tinto 2022 – 93 points
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro and Jaen from vines up to 80 years old, co-fermented and aged for 22 months in barrel, this red remains very well balanced despite the warmth of the 2022 vintage. Rose petal aromas mingle with juicy, red cherries that capture both the ripeness and finesse that define the reds of the region, while the palate is supported by rounded, almost chalky tannins.
Definido Branco 2023 – 94 points
Produced from an old vineyard field blend, with only 1080 bottles made, this remarkable white reflects Carlos’ philosophy of working almost exclusively with concrete. After initial fermentation in stainless steel, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and 11 months on lees without batonnage. Sourced from granitic vineyards between 400 and 700m, it is stunningly expressive, combining apple, citrus, lime and even mango notes that emerge alongside hints of macadamia. Its core is stony and vibrant with appealing texture and complexity.
Niepoort Wines
Niepoort is a family business dating back to 1842. Its winemaking tradition began in the Douro region, with the production of Port wine. Know-how, enthusiasm, and an innovative mindset have been passed down from generation to generation. Without exception, all wines that carry the Niepoort seal reflect the bold and deeply rooted spirit of the family. Each glass encapsulates the terroir’s essence, a wonder which entices curious minds and gives testimony of a profound respect for nature.
Redoma Branco 2024 – 97 points
Produced from 40- to 80-year-old vines, whole-bunch pressed and aged for nine months in barrel with malolactic fermentation, this is a superbly refined Douro white. Floral aromas and subtle reductive notes lead into ripe citrus, pear and fresh pineapple. The palate is textured yet incredibly precise with remarkable tension, a pithy finish and mineral drive. Combining Burgundian structure with Douro fruit, it is a stunningly elegant and ageworthy wine.
Batuta 2023 – 97 points
Sourced from two extraordinary vineyards, one west-facing at 500 metres altitude and exposed to constant winds, the other east-facing and shaded by surrounding mountains, these vines are more than 100 years old and contain numerous rare varieties. Fermented partly in concrete and partly in wood, it is a profound expression of the Douro. Blueberry, raspberry and wild herbs combine with remarkable freshness, precision derived from altitude and ripe, energetic tannins. Authentic, beautifully finessed and utterly compelling, it captures
the purity of the region.
Charme 2024 – 96 points
This village wine comes from an old field blend including Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão. Inspired by the wines historically produced from juice bled off to concentrate Port, it is fermented with whole bunches in lagar and pressed early into barrel before 18 months of ageing. Pale in colour but surprisingly concentrated, it combines pot pourri, Turkish delight and red cherry aromas with raspberry fruit and savoury notes. Elegant and finely structured.
Poeirinho 2022 – 96 points
Produced from estate-owned vines over 80 years old, this wine demonstrates what Baga can achieve in a warm vintage. Fermented in stainless steel with a small proportion of stems and aged for two years in very old oak, it is deeply characterful yet remarkably refined. Floral aromas of pot pourri, mint and garrigue lead into a palate with pomegranate, sour cherry
and vibrant red fruit. Structured and grippy, it combines the rustic soul of Baga with a finesse
rarely seen here. A wine of genuine personality and ageing potential, and utterly delicious!
Redoma Tinto 2022 – 94 points
This village wine comes from old vine field blends fermented in lagar and aged in oak. Still showing significant reduction in youth, it clearly needs time to reveal its full potential. Beneath that lies impressive structure, appealingly dusty, ferrous tannins and surprisingly vibrant acidity for one of the hottest and driest vintages on record. Red-fruited with sour
cherry notes, it balances ripeness with elegance and freshness. A serious wine that will reward patience.
Lagar de Baixo 2021 – 92 points
Niepoort’s entry-level Baga is fermented partly in lagar with a proportion of stems and also in stainless steel before ageing for 18 months in large oak vats. Light in colour from infusion-style fermentation rather than extraction, it combines sour cherry fruit with balsamic
notes, revealing the variety’s characteristic rustic charm. The oak adds subtle maturity and structure without overwhelming the fruit. Both savoury and vibrant, it bridges tradition and modernity and offers impressive complexity for its price.
Vertente 2023 – 92 points
Produced entirely from very old vineyards across the region, this wine is made as a tribute to the growers themselves. Fermented in stainless steel with 50% whole bunch, it combines bright raspberry, blueberry and dark berry fruit with subtle reduction and a certain rustic charm. Fresh, energetic and highly drinkable, it displays spicy notes, dried herbs and a slight green edge that brings further freshness.
