Who needs Ronaldo?

OK they didn’t look like winning and Ronaldo replicated Rooney in the under-performing favourite stakes. But despite Portugal’s dismal performance there are still other positives to lift the country’s morale. So toast the excellent whites being produced and try the lovely 12.5%, dry, refreshing and minerally Adega de Pegoes 2009, £8.99, from the Terras do Sado region. Stockists: City Beverage, Tel: 0207-729-2111, Kevin O’ Rourke Wines, Tel: 01908-337975. Staying on the western side of Portugal, the Tejo area is producing a range of stylish whites including Quinta da Lagolava Talhao 1 2009, £9.25, a light, citrus, exotically flavoured blend of indigenous grapes, including Arinto, with familiar names like Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho.Stockists: www.slurp.co.uk, www.greatwinesbytheglass.com. Travelling across to the massive Alentejo region, which covers a third of Portugal but only has one-twentieth of the population, where serious reds are balanced by some well made whites like the Solar dos Lobos 2008, £7.99, blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Arinto and Antao Vaz, which is the perfect dry, crisp, easy drinking patio white for those of you no longer succumbing to the footie. Stockist: www.incewines.co.uk. Cheers!.