The Basics for Pairing Red Portuguese Wines

Portuguese wines are incredibly diverse and can pair wonderfully with a wide-range of foods. Here’s a guide to pairing some of Portugal’s more distinctive red wines with different types of food, focusing on specific wine styles from Portugal’s regions.

Douro Reds

Wine characteristics: Full-bodied, structured red wines with dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and good aging potential. Here are some pairing tips.

Red meats: Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or pork.

Game: Venison, wild boar, and famous Portuguese black pig.

Hearty stews: Traditional Portuguese “feijoada” (bean and meat stew).

Sample pairing: Grilled lamb chops or braised short ribs.

Why it works: The bold flavors and tannins in Douro reds complement the richness of grilled and roasted meats, while the wine’s structure balances the fat.

Dão Reds

Wine characteristics: Elegant, medium-bodied wines with fine tannins and balanced acidity. It is often made from Touriga Nacional, but the use of Jaen and Touriga Franca grapes are also popular and very special! Here are some pairing tips.

Roast poultry: duck or chicken.

Mushroom dishes: mushroom risotto or grilled mushrooms.

Cheese: mild to medium-aged cheeses like Serra da Estrela.

Sample pairing: Roast duck with grilled mushrooms or stewed wild goat with potatoes.

Why it works: The elegance and acidity of Dão wines pair well with the savory flavors of roasted poultry and earthy mushrooms, balancing richness without overwhelming the dish.

Alentejo Reds

Wine characteristics: Rich, fruit-forward red wines, often with soft tannins and high alcohol content. Here are some pairing tips.

Barbecue: Grilled sausages, ribs, or chicken.

Pork dishes: Portuguese porco à alentejana (pork with clams), roast pork.

Spicy food: Spiced sausages like “chouriço” or “linguiça”.

Sample pairing: Grilled pork and spicy chorizo.

Why it works: Alentejo reds have the body and richness to stand up to the bold flavors of grilled meats and spicy dishes, while their fruitiness adds a juicy contrast.

Bairrada Reds

Wine characteristics: Bold, tannic red wines, often made from the Baga grape, with earthy and smoky notes. Here are some pairing tips.

Suckling pig: Traditional “Leitão à Bairrada” (roast suckling pig).

Game meats: Wild boar, duck.

Charcuterie: Smoked meats or hard cheeses.

Sample pairing: The famous roast suckling pig, or an excellent pizza.

Why it works: The tannins and earthy flavors of Bairrada reds are ideal for rich, fatty meats like pork and game, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavor. The richness of the wine enhances the mozzarella and brings out the tanginess of the tomato sauce.

Portuguese wines offer a wide range of pairing possibilities, from the bold reds of Douro to the elegant, velvety mouthfeel of the Dão wines and the dry to the high-in-tannins of the Alentejo. Whether you’re enjoying seafood, rich meats, or decadent desserts, a Portuguese wine can elevate the meal.