2019 Cedro do Noval, Vinho Branco, Noval, Douro, Portugal – £19.95, secretbottleshop.co.uk
This wine is a genuine star of the small screen. Amazon Prime last week aired the first episode of series three of The Wine Show, and Cedro Branco stole the show. There was a cast of superstars, but I only had eyes for this epic white wine, which hit shop shelves at the end of October.
There is very limited stock in the UK, with the Secret Bottle Shop website among the selected suppliers, and Cambridge Wine Merchants, South Downs Cellars, Carruthers & Kent and Clarion Wines all said to be aiming to get in on the action.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Quinta do Noval is a legendary property that makes legendary wines, and the 1931 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port is the finest I have ever tasted. But this wine is not fortified and nor is it a wine that requires age to mellow its charms. Made from 65% viosinho and 35% gouveio and fermented and matured in French oak, of which 20% was new barrels, this is a thrillingly daring white wine.
At a refined 13.5% alcohol, Cedro is a cleverly balanced creation that echoes top-flight Chablis in terms of flavour intensity and pristine freshness. But under the bonnet, there is a very different engine, powered by wild herbs, waxy citrus pith and stone fruit. Its flavour confounds the senses and tantalises your taste buds.
In short, this is arguably the most magical Douro white in existence.
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek
-
Political cartoons for October 26Cartoons Sunday’s editorial cartoons include Young Republicans group chat, Louvre robbery, and more
-
Why Britain is struggling to stop the ransomware cyberattacksThe Explainer New business models have greatly lowered barriers to entry for criminal hackers
-
Greene’s rebellion: a Maga hardliner turns against TrumpIn the Spotlight The Georgia congresswoman’s independent streak has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by the president
-
The best sherries to try this autumnThe Week Recommends The warming tipple from sunny Spain is an underrated cold-weather staple
-
The rise of English sparkling wineThe Week Recommends As UK-based brands give champagne a run for its money, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right bottle
-
Rosorange: the chic 'love child' of orange wine and roséThe Week Recommends Peachy to look at and crisp to drink, here's to the wine of the summer
-
Friendship: 'bromance' comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim RobinsonThe Week Recommends 'Lampooning and embracing' middle-aged male loneliness, this film is 'enjoyable and funny'
-
The best rosé wines to try this summerThe Week Recommends Warm weather means it's pink wine's moment in the sun
-
The jalapeño wine trend taking TikTok by stormThe Week Recommends Scatter a few chilli slices into your sauvignon blanc for a subtle and refreshing kick
-
Wine-tasting in TuscanyThe Week Recommends From biodynamic vineyards to historic cellars, the picturesque region is a wine lover's dream
-
A wine-themed tour of beautiful UruguayThe Week Recommends Secret paradise in South America boasts beautiful vineyards
