After two days tasting around Beira Interior, the highest wine appellation in Portugal, it’s a hard job to pick a favourite wine. Meals are easier with Saturday lunch at O Lagar in Escalhão something special – the 5 month old veal steaks melted in the mouth and the roasted almonds were crisp and crunchy.

In the white department, the Siria 2011 from Quinta dos Currais is unlike any other Siria we tried with impressive minerality and freshness. A world class wine which gets my award for best white in Beira Interior.

The red was harder as the competition was stiffer. But the 2008 Raya blend of Touriga Naçional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz is one of those mad terroir wines that reeks of passion. Only 2600 bottles were made and it is dense and intense yet light and breezy. If only we could buy these wines in South Africa…