Portuguese Wines Arrive in Tel Aviv, Offering Surprising Variety and Prices
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Eyal Marmelstein, owner of Tel Aviv's Tchernichovsky 6 bistro, has imported a wide variety of Portuguese wines to Israel, opening a dedicated shop called "Porto." Portugal offers over 300 grape varietals, many unique to the region, producing diverse wines from areas like Douro and Vinho Verde. The imported wines, including recommendations like Anselmo Mendes' Muros Antigos and Barbeito's Madeira, are noted for their unique flavors and surprisingly affordable prices, with some bottles costing as little as 80 shekels.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tel Aviv bistro owner Eyal Marmelstein is importing a wide range of Portuguese wines to Israel.
- Portugal has over 300 grape varietals, with many unique to the country.
- Key Portuguese wine regions include Douro, Dão, Vinho Verde, Alentejo, and Madeira.
- The "Porto" wine shop offers diverse selections from producers like Anselmo Mendes and Dirk Niepoort.
- Prices for Portuguese wines in Tel Aviv are noted as surprisingly affordable, with some starting at 80 shekels.
Portuguese wines, long overlooked in favor of those from France, Italy, and Spain, are now gaining a foothold in Tel Aviv thanks to Eyal Marmelstein, owner of the Tchernichovsky 6 bistro. Marmelstein, captivated by Portugal's diverse wine offerings, has imported hundreds of bottles, establishing a dedicated wine shop called "Porto" across from his restaurant.
Portugal boasts over 300 grape varietals, with about 250 unique to the Iberian Peninsula, producing wines from thousands of wineries. While many varietal names are unfamiliar internationally, exceptions include the red Touriga Nacional, used even by Golan Heights Winery, and the white Alvarinho, known in Spain as Albariño.
Key Portuguese wine regions include the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest demarcated wine regions, famous for Port wine but also producing dry wines. The Dão region offers elegant, acidic wines with aging potential, while Vinho Verde is known for its light, sometimes slightly sparkling white wines. Alentejo produces rich reds and aromatic whites, and the island of Madeira is celebrated for its fortified wines.
Marmelstein's "Porto" shop features a wide selection, including white, rosé, red, sparkling, and orange wines, from renowned producers like Dirk Niepoort and Anselmo Mendes. Prices are noted as surprisingly accessible, with some Vinho Verde wines available for as little as 80 shekels, offering a distinct alternative to more familiar European wines.
The article highlights specific recommendations such as Anselmo Mendes' Muros Antigos 2024 white wine (80 shekels), Luís Pato's Vinhas Velhas Branco 2024 (98 shekels), Quinta de Saes' Estágio Prolongado Reserva 2022 red wine (137 shekels), and Barbeito's Boal 10 Years Old Madeira dessert wine (237 shekels). Marmelstein suggests Portugal's relative obscurity, partly due to its post-dictatorship entry into the EU in the 1980s and marketing challenges, has kept prices down, making them an attractive option for wine enthusiasts.