Nice: October 2025
Joao Cabral Almeida
Vinho Verde
Amarante, Portugal
Being inundated with wine culture from a young age from various regions around Portugal has only helped Joao Cabral Almeida produce some very tasty wines. His grandparents on both the maternal and paternal side were wine makers. Of his eight siblings, he is one of five working in the wine sector. Thankfully for us, Joao naturally decided to be in the wine industry rather than be forced. Never feeling pressured to join but doing so of his own free will.
This month we wanted to feature a flight from Portugal to showcase the variety of styles and wines that are made here. Ranging from light and crisp to powerful and tannic, Portuguese wine is style making world class wines that we love to drink.
With a focus on local varietals and a true expression of terroir, this Alvarinho is a classic rendition of what this style of wine can truly be. Light and fresh on the palate with a clean acidity. This wine does well with lighter foods and salads. There is still concentration and complexity to the wine and does well standing on its own.
Pairing: Sesame Miso Chicken Salad
Fun fact: Joao is an outdoor fanatic and has named a wine Moss representing the moss that dots the landscape he lives in.
Joao Cabral Almeida
Musgo Reserva Tinto
Field Blend
Amarante, Portugal
This wine is explosive on the nose revealing notes of wild red berries and spice. Notes of balsamic vinegar linger underneath as well. This wine shows the other end of the spectrum from Joao’s Alvarinho and demonstrates his understanding of grapes and his flexibility when it comes to wine making.
Making a red can be daunting because trying to balance that possibility of making a wine too powerful and juicy is always there. Joao toes the line of finesse and power. With concentration on the palate but not an overwhelming alcohol content that can blow out your palate. This wine will do well with almost all foods and all situations.
Pairing: Brined Pork Chops with Fennel
Fun fact: Joao is also a big environmentalist with another wine called Lichen referring to a fungus/algae that only grows in areas without pollution.
Louis Louro
Trincadeira
Estremoz, Portugal
With a fierce personality and a headstrong nature, Luis could have taken the easy route and taken over his fathers winery, Quinta do Moro. Alas, Luis wanted to create his own interpretation of the area and thus came his own label.
Located in the southern part of Portugal, it is a hot and dry area with red soils similar to those of the Coonawarra region in Australia. This area is perfect for making concentrated red wines. Luis knows how to enact restraint in his wine making and the wines don’t get out of control. Still expressing finesse and elegance with a strong backbone.
Still showing freshness with grippy tannins, this wine loves a fattier meal with a tasty sauce.
Pairing: Braised Flanken with Pomegranate
Fun fact: Luis Louro used to be a part of the Naked Wine subscription service.