Cheese and wine are two of the most famous products in Portugal, and the region surrounding Cascais is no exception. Here are the top 5 wines produced near Cascais, along with information about their awards, price ranges, and food pairings.
Quinta do Gradil Reserva is a red wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah grapes. It's produced in the Lisbon region, which is located just north of Cascais. This wine has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards. It's priced around €12-€15 per bottle and pairs well with Azeitão Cheese.
Periquita Reserva is a red wine made from the Castelão grape. It's produced in the Setubal Peninsula, which is located just south of Cascais. This wine has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2019 Berliner Wein Trophy. It's priced around €10-€12 per bottle and pairs well with Serpa Cheese.
Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas is a red wine made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca grapes. It's produced in the Douro region, which is located north of Cascais. This wine has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards. It's priced around €15-€18 per bottle and pairs well with Queijo da Serra.
Casa Ermelinda Freitas Reserva is a red wine made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Petit Verdot grapes. It's produced in the Setubal Peninsula and has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2020 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. It's priced around €10-€12 per bottle and pairs well with Evora Cheese.
Herdade do Rocim Amphora is a white wine made from a blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Perrum grapes. It's produced in the Alentejo region, located just south of Cascais. This wine has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2020 Mundus Vini Summer Tasting. It's priced around €12-€15 per bottle and pairs well with Nisa Cheese.
NOTE!
When it comes to pairing cheese and wine, it's essential to consider the flavors of each. For example, soft, creamy cheeses like Azeitão Cheese pair well with full-bodied, tannic red wines, while semi-hard cheeses like Queijo da Serra pair well with smoother, more complex red wines like port. Hard cheeses like Evora Cheese pair well with medium-bodied red wines, and semi-soft cheeses like Serpa Cheese pair well with lighter red wines. As for white wine, it pairs well with semi-soft and hard cheeses.
In conclusion, the region surrounding Cascais is home to some of the best cheese and wine in Portugal. From the creamy Azeitão Cheese to the spicy Evora Cheese, there's something for every palate. And with award-winning wines like Quinta do Gradil Reserva and Casa Ermelinda Freitas Reserva, you can't go wrong. So, if you're planning a trip to Cascais, make sure to indulge in some of these local specialties and pair them up for a truly unforgettable experience.