Portuguese Wines Arrive in Tel Aviv with Surprising Varieties and Prices
Portuguese wines are gaining traction in Tel Aviv through a new specialty shop offering hundreds of diverse labels from legendary producers, highlighting unique regional varieties at surprising prices.
Portugal has long remained an overlooked gem in the global wine landscape, often overshadowed by the heavyweights of France, Italy, Spain, and the New World. Eyal Marmelstein, owner of the Tchernichovsky 6 bistro in Tel Aviv, changed that dynamic after falling in love with the country's diverse viticulture and deciding to import hundreds of distinct Portuguese labels to Israel.
A Diverse and Ancient Wine Heritage
Portugal boasts over 300 grape varieties, with approximately 250 found nowhere else in the world. The country's primary wine regions each offer distinct profiles:
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Douro Valley: One of the world's oldest demarcated wine regions, famous for Port wine as well as structured dry reds.
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Dão: Known for elegant, high-acid red wines with exceptional aging potential.
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Vinho Verde: Celebrated for crisp, refreshing, and lightly effervescent white wines.
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Alentejo: Produces rich, full-bodied reds and aromatic whites.
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Madeira: Renowned for its legendary, exceptionally long-lived fortified wines.
Marmelstein opened a dedicated specialty shop named Porto, situated directly opposite his bistro, to showcase everything from legendary producers like Dirk Niepoort and Anselmo Mendes to boutique natural and orange wines.
Standout Recommendations from the Collection
For wine enthusiasts looking to explore the collection, several standout bottles highlight the unique character of Portuguese winemaking:
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Muros Antigos 2024 (Anselmo Mendes): A dry white Vinho Verde from the Lima Valley made from Loureiro grapes, offering floral aromas, refreshing acidity, and an elegant finish. Price: 80 NIS.
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Vinhas Velhas Branco 2024 (Luís Pato): A dry white blend from Bairrada featuring ancient vines of Bical, Sercial, and Sercialinho, delivering notes of fennel, lime, and a subtle oceanic salinity. Price: 98 NIS.
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Estágio Prolongado Reserva 2022 (Quinta de Saes): A structured yet approachable dry red from the Dão region crafted from Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Jaen, offering aromas of raspberry, cherry, and spice. Price: 137 NIS.
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Boal 10 Years Old Madeira (Barbeito): A complex, masterfully balanced fortified dessert wine from Madeira showcasing the region's signature high acidity and longevity. Price: 237 NIS.
