Wine of the week: a far from foolish vinous venture
This is one of the most arresting Portuguese whites I have ever tasted, says Matthew Jukes.


2019 Howard’s Folly, Sonhador Branco, Alentejo, Portugal
£120, for six bottles (£20 each) or £96 for six bottles for members of howardsfollywine.co.uk; £19, pullthecork.co.uk, £14.50, derventiowines.co.uk.
The Howard in question is Howard Bilton, an ebullient Yorkshireman with a deep love of great wine and fine art. The Folly part is a warning to anyone who is not aware that making wine is never a very good idea if you are hoping to make profits! Nevertheless, Howard has set up a stunning winery and restaurant in the pretty town of Estremoz, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, where he makes delicious wines with arty labels under the guidance of his talented and highly decorated winemaker David Baverstock. Please do also take a look at the Sovereign Art Foundation to see the amazing charity that Howard set up nearly 20 years ago and the great work it does for disadvantaged children living in Asia.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Howard’s Folly brings wine and art together and my featured wine is Howard’s most accomplished white to date – and the label is jolly cute, too. Made from ancient vines, with no less than ten indigenous varieties in the mix, and coming from smallholdings situated in the high altitude Portalegre district of Portugal, this is a vinous snapshot of the country’s history like no other.
Kaleidoscopically perfumed, finely balanced and with careful oak augmentation adding drama, this is one of the most arresting Portuguese whites I have ever tasted.
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (matthewjukes.com).
Matthew Jukes has worked in the UK wine business for well over three decades and during this time has written 14 wine books.
Matthew regularly lectures, judges, speaks at wine conferences and runs masterclass tastings for both corporate and private clients all over the world. Matthew is also the creator of his ground-breaking initiative, the One Day Wine School, an indulgent day of tasting and learning first performed in 2006.
He has been the MoneyWeek wine correspondent since 2006 and has written a weekly column for the Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine since 1999. His four highly-acclaimed, annual wine reports – the Burgundy En Primeur Report, the Bordeaux En Primeur Report, the Piemonte Report and the 100 Best Australian Wines – are published on his website, www.matthewjukes.com.
Matthew is one of the world’s leading experts on Australian wine and, with Brisbane-based wine writer Tyson Stelzer, runs an annual competition in Australia to find ‘The Great Australian Red’. He was made Honorary Australian of the Year in the UK at the 2012 Australia Day Foundation Gala dinner.
Matthew is a winner of the International Wine and Spirit Competition's Communicator of the Year Trophy. His thoughts, recommendations and tastings notes are followed very closely by the wine world at large.
-
SIPP holders to get cash warnings and be offered default funds
News Providers will be required to offer investors a default fund and must warn customers of the inflationary risk of cash savings the regulator has said. What the new rules mean for your retirement pot?
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
Zoopla: Asking price discounts hit a five-year high – is now the time to buy a property?
News Zoopla’s October House Price Index shows sellers are accepting discounts of 5.5% on average to secure a sale – we reveal where homeowners are taking the biggest asking price cuts
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
Calilo – sustainable luxury on a Greek island: MoneyWeek Travel
MoneyWeek Travel Rupert Hargreaves visits Calilo, a resort on the Greek island of Ios, where sustainability and luxury live in harmony
By Rupert Hargreaves Published
-
England’s sparkling wine industry has potential for early investors
Global warming has changed the game for England’s sparkling wine industry – even growers in Champagne are planting in England. Brave investors might like to join the party early.
By Simon Wilson Last updated
-
Hotel Indigo Durham review: a delightful stay in Durham – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel During a stay at the Hotel Indigo Durham sees Matthew Partridge revisit his old student stomping grounds.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
The Brando, a Polynesian paradise – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel Sustainability meets the last word in luxury on Marlon Brando's island in French Polynesia, says Chris Carter
By Chris Carter Last updated
-
The 10 cheapest countries to travel to
Features Looking to get away but want to keep costs low? Check out these 10 holiday destinations which remain cheap despite rising inflation.
By Nicole García Mérida Published
-
A South African adventure
Reviews From buzzy Johannesburg to big game drives, South Africa has it all, says Katie Monk
By Katie Monk Published
-
Villa Gaia Rock: perfect harmony in Corfu
Reviews Blend in with your surroundings at the new Villa Gaia Rock in Corfu.
By Chris Carter Published
-
Indulge your wild side with a safari in deepest Kent
Reviews Get up close to the animals at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, says Matthew Partridge
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published