I recently spent a week away from the shop, exploring the gorgeous city of Lisbon with some friends. Thankfully for me, my travelling companions are just as crazy about good food and drink as I am, and Lisbon delivered with one outstanding meal after another. 

We planned a big blow-out for the final evening, at seafood specialists Sea Me Next Door, who give exciting contemporary twists to the incredible bounty of fish and shellfish to be found in the Portuguese capital. As the 'wine friend', responsibility fell to me to pick out the right bottle of white to accompany this feast, and perusing the superb wine list one word stood out to me: Bucelas.

Located about 30km north of the city of Lisbon, the small Bucelas region is protected from the harshest Atlantic weather by the Serra de Montejunto hills, giving the region a long, dry autumn perfect for developing ripeness and flavour in the grapes. Limestone soils and the cooling effect of the Tejo estuary help the local Arinto grape maintain it's powerful acidity and mineral flavours, giving a wine perfectly suited to seafood. Bold citrus fruits, hints of lemongrass, thyme and pine combined on the long, bone dry palate. With a table of shared dishes ranging from subtle scallops with apple to a boldly savoury seared amberjack with aged vinegar, the elegance of the Bucelas stood up perfectly with each and every flavour.

For a taste of the Lisboa region here in Brighton we stock the outstanding 2021 Bucelas from Murgas. Using a small portion of oak in the ageing gives this wine a touch of toastiness and a little more body, whilst maintaining brilliant purity, minerality and intense lemony fruit. Pairs beautifully with any and all seafood, from oysters to tinned sardines!

Murgas Bucelas Branco 2021 - £22.49