Among European wine-producing nations, Portugal rarely features as a contender to rival its neighbour Spain, Italy or France. Famous for its cork production, the main contribution that Portugal has had on the international scene is with Port, Madeira and Rosé wine. In recent years things have changed, making the new generation of Portuguese wine very desirable and exciting.

For such a small country, Portugal produces a vast array of wine since grapes are grown virtually the length and breadth of the country. From the young, white Vinho Verde in the north, to the quality reds of Douro and Dão right through the scale to the richest, fortified Port. Portuguese wine stands out from its European counterparts for another reason – almost all of its grapes are indigenous to the country itself - very few international varieties feature. This is possibly a factor which has made customers wary of trying wine from Portugal since names like Loureiro, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are not instantly familiar names.

Recently, massive investment in technology and expertise has helped to revitalise the Portuguese wine industry and more and more quality wines (particularly reds) are appearing on off-licence shelves.

Of course, Portugal's reputation for Port is unrivalled. Port is also enjoying a new lease of life and is becoming quite stylish again, shrugging off the connotations of being the favourite tipple of old aunts at Christmas time! Port is made by adding brandy to fermenting grape juice after only about 2 or 3 days and there are many styles of Port available.

Ruby The simplest and least expensive type of Port (aunt's variety!). It is matured in bulk for 2/3 years and has a rich ruby colour.

Tawny This ideally refers to a Port that has been aged in wood, made from paler wines, which will develop a brownish colour. Aged tawnies are usually made from very high quality wines and develop a nutty character

Vintage This port is only declared in 'exceptional' years. These must be made of wines from the same year and are bottled after 2/3 years in wood and need extensive bottle ageing in order to soften and mature. Vintage Ports are unfiltered and need decanted.

Again, LBV (Late Bottle Vintage) Ports are made from wines of a single year but have been bottled between 4/6 years after harvest. These are filtered so no decanting is needed.

If you aren't familiar with Port names to try are Cockburn's, Dow's, Warre's and particularly fine is Fonseca 10 or 20-year-old. With a good stilton this is pure heaven!