Besides showcasing the new developments within the Portuguese winemaking industry, the feature also focuses on the country’s characteristic green wines, its ports, and a selection of “highly rated recent releases” from Portugal.


Under the headline ‘The Future of Portugal’ Wine Spectator’s cover story is illustrated with a stunning picture of a traditional Rabelo boat floating in front of Oporto’s distinctive riverside area.


Explaining that in Portugal “tradition and modernity partner on a winemaking frontier”, the feature claims “Change is sweeping across this historic winemaking nation, with renowned quintas and a new generation of vintners competing and collaborating across a dizzying array of terroirs, varieties and viticultural techniques.”


“The clash of tradition and modernity, amid an amazing array of grape varieties, terroirs and winemaking cultures, makes Portugal one of the most dynamic wine-producing nations in the world today”, the piece elaborates, adding: “With refined red table wines and focused whites from indigenous grapes taking a place on the world stage, this diverse and beautiful land offers much more than Port.”


Inside, the publication also homes in on Portugal’s Vinho Verde region and its famous green wines, as well as ports – “Portugal’s best-known wine achieved classic quality in 2011, and options abound in the category” – and recommends a number of “highly rated recent releases from Portugal, encompassing reds, whites, Port and Madeira.”


But Portugal’s wines and wine-making industry are not the only Portuguese subjects to feature in Wine Spectator’s July edition; a travel piece titled “Savouring Lisbon” also tells of how, “After decades of political and economic hardship, Portugal’s capital is finding its culinary voice, with fresh ingredients and exceptional wines.”


Launched in April 1976 the New York-based Wine Spectator magazine publishes 15 editions a year and has a total circulation of close to 400,000 copies.