João Pires surprises with a 10-year-old Moscatel de Setúbal
21/12/2023José Maria da Fonseca has just launched a new reference that completes the portfolio of the iconic João Pires brand – the generous João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years. Since the 70s of the 20th century, João Pires has been a symbol of iconic wines, produced with the Moscatel de Setúbal grape variety, having become a reference in the world of Portuguese wines since its origin. With a white wine and a rosé, which have already won the preferences of wine lovers, the brand reinvents itself with the presentation of its first fortified wine.
Living up to its legacy as the oldest producer, with the greatest prestige and tradition in the production of Setúbal Moscatéis, José Maria da Fonseca launches this new reference as yet another tribute to the Setúbal region. João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years is a fortified wine with Denomination of Origin, with the youngest wine in this batch being at least 10 years old. In its winemaking process, fermentation is stopped with the addition of wine brandy, keeping the wine in skin maceration for 5 months. After this period, the wine is bled and then blended with press wine. The 10-year stage of this batch varies between 10 and 15 years of aging, in used wooden barrels or barrels. With a deep golden tone, its aroma highlights notes of orange peel, apricot, nuts, honey and fennel. On the palate, it is fruity and soft, with a very long finish.
João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 must be stored with the bottle lying down at an ambient temperature of 12ºC and humidity of 60%. As an aperitif or dessert, it is the ideal companion for convivial moments between family and friends.
Adega de Borba’s new Premium vintages launched
19/12/2023Like the harvest wines already launched at the beginning of this year, the new image of the Premium range maintains its distinctive “B” on the label, but now younger, differentiating and appealing to the sustainability values that the company has been deepening over the last few years. , and which were recognized this year with certification in the Alentejo wine sustainability program.
The Adega de Borba brand, the first to be certified in 1989 as a wine with Denomination of Origin in Alentejo, and the most important in the Adega’s range of references, thus confirms the desire to remain at the forefront of social and environmental responsibility values of wine production in the region, communicating this commitment to the consumer.
The three wines in the Premium range come from vineyards cultivated in ‘Integrated Production’ mode and, in addition to the quality selected in the best vineyard plots, they take advantage of the long knowledge and dedication that winegrowers in the Borba region have dedicated to this crop for a long time.
This new ‘B’ takes us back to the nature where the grapes are produced, and to Adega de Borba’s commitment to working with wine in a sustainable way. Its long history in the sector brings even more responsibility towards the conservation of the natural resources that are used in this activity, hence wanting to ensure their longevity for future generations. According to the Borba winery, «Making the best wine is only worth it if it is compatible with the best environment».
Adega de Borba Premium Rosé 2022 is a DOC Alentejo wine from the Borba sub-region produced from the Aragonez, Syrah and Touriga Nacional grape varieties. It has a light salmon color, with an intense aroma of wild fruits, light floral and spices. Its flavor is balanced and young, with spicy and floral toasted notes. These aromas and flavors will transport you to moments of pure pleasure.
Adega de Borba Premium Red 2021, produced with grapes from the Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. This red wine has a garnet color with great depth and a good intensity aroma, revealing ripe red fruits, jam and ripe pepper. The flavor is soft, elegant, highlighting the black fruits, coffee and chocolate. The structure is fine and persistent in the aftertaste. This Premium from the Adega de Borba range, produced with regular consumption in mind for demanding customers, has an alcohol content of 14%, and is especially designed to accompany well-tasting foods, such as Portuguese stew, roast lamb, wild game or traditional cheeses.
Periquita White, Rosé and Red with new harvests, just in time for Christmas
18/12/2023One of the oldest table wine brands in Portugal, Periquita, now presents new harvests of White, Rosé and Red. Produced by José Maria da Fonseca, these three new wines have a vibrant profile, fruity notes and refreshing aromas and arrive just in time for Christmas.
Created from the Verdelho, Viosinho, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grape varieties, the White from the Periquita family is fruity, fresh and aromatic. With a citrus color and a fragrance marked by notes of lantana and passion fruit, this white has a long palate, with the aromas present on the nose being felt at the end. Ideal as an aperitif or to accompany fish and seafood dishes, this White Periquita should be consumed young and fresh.
Periquita Rosé has a lively tone and an intense perfume, in which wild fruits, raspberries and strawberries stand out, borrowed from the Castelão and Aragonês grape varieties. The addition of Touriga Nacional gives it a floral and elegant profile, with a sweet but balanced palate. This rosé pairs well with light dishes, such as salads, seafood or pastas. And it should be consumed very cool, ideally at 8ºC.
Finally, Periquita Red has a red color, aromas of blueberries and black plums on the nose. In the mouth, it is very fruity, with soft and well-integrated tannins. Produced with the Castelão, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet grape varieties, this wine aged for six months in new French and American oak. Ideal for serving at a temperature of 16ºC, it is a perfect red to accompany meat, game and cheese dishes with an intense flavor.
White Periquita 2022 | 750 ml – RRP Recommended with VAT €4.99
Periquita Rosé 2022 | 750ml – R.P.P. Recommended with VAT €4.99
Periquita Red 2022 | 750 ml – RRP Recommended with VAT €4.99
To toast or to offer this Christmas: João Portugal Ramos presents suggestions
15/12/2023João Portugal Ramos has just presented some special suggestions for toasting with the family during the Christmas holidays, or to offer to family and friends this season. Available in packs of two bottles or in magnum format, these Portugal Ramos wines originate from two regions, Alentejo and Douro.
From Alentejo, João Portugal Ramos presents three references from two different brands.
Marquês de Borba – Colheita red 2021 and Vinhas Velhas red 2020 – and Vila Santa Reserva red 2021
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 is available in a pack of two bottles and also in a 1,500ml magnum format. This wine is the result of a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot and Merlot grape varieties. In the glass, it is an intense fruity red, with aromas of blackberries, cassis and jams. Its tannins are soft and it has a good balance between fruit and acidity. The Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas red 2020 is available in a wooden box with two bottles. A blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão and Syrah grape varieties. Intense garnet in color, with a large concentration of black fruits, eucalyptus leaves and some spicy notes on the nose. It also presents great volume in the mouth and velvety tannins.
Still from Alentejo, the producer suggests the Vila Santa Reserva red 2021, available in a pack of two bottles or individually. Coming from 100% organic grapes, from the Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, in the glass it has an intense garnet tone and its aroma suggests very ripe black fruits well combined with barrel spices. Elegant and full-bodied, it is a wine with very present soft tannins. It is characterized as a fleshy, powerful and full red.
From the Douro, two other suggestions come from Portugal Ramos.
Tons de Duorum red 2021 is available in a pack with two bottles or in a pack that includes a 1,500ml magnum bottle. This Douro red, made from the Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz grape varieties, has an intense aroma dominated by fresh red fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries. It presents very soft and mature tannins, well involved in its body and volume. This result results in a wine whose finish is dominated by its freshness, smoothness and elegance.
Duorum Colheita red 2020 is available in a wooden box with two bottles. It is a blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz. Deep red in color with violet tones, its aroma is intense, fresh and complex, dominated by ripe fruits, such as blackberry, plum and cassis, some floral aromas, such as violet, and tertiary aromas, coming from its élevage in barrels. It has firm, ripe tannins and a balanced acidity, which, being well involved in the large volume and body, gives a long and elegant finish, defined for the Duorum profile.
Christmas Special – João Portugal Ramos
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €14.99
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 – Box with 1 bottle | 1500ml – €16.99
Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas red 2020 – Box with 2 bottles | 750ml – €39.99
Vila Santa Reserva red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €27.98
Shades of Duorum red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €10.98
Shades of Duorum red 2021 – Box with 1 bottle | 1500ml – €12.99
Duorum Colheita red 2020 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €26.99
Frei Gigante with new image
14/12/2023Frei Gigante, one of the oldest brands of the Cooperativa Vitivinícola on the island of Pico – Picowines has a new image. The 2021 harvest, of this certified wine with designation of origin, now appears on the market completely renewed, with an image that, in fact, tells the story and adventure of this wine, combining tradition with the innovation that characterizes it. Its name pays homage to the first known historical personality who, in 1460, when the island was colonized, brought the first vines and made the first experiences of wine production sites: «O Frei Gigante, a blend of the three Arinto dos Açores monovarieties , Verdelho and Terrantez do Pico, is the cooperative’s flagship wine when we talk about native grape varieties and what represents the essence of Pico wines. It is a wine that is not limited to grapes and fermentations, it tells a story and its adventure, combining tradition with innovation», says Losménio Goulart, President of the Pico Island Wine Cooperative – Picowines.
For his part, Bernardo Cabral, consulting oenologist at Picowines highlights «minerality, salinity and acidity as striking characteristics in Azorean wines, especially those produced on the island of Pico, and a unique and singular terroir marked by volcanic soils and the strong influence of the Atlantic , which makes us have wines of excellence. We intend to have genuine and little worked wines».
The graphic elements on the label of the new image of the Giant Friar tell its history and origin. Among several symbols, the image of the island of Pico stands out, the compass that aims to represent the role of Frei Gigante in the discovery of grape varieties and ways of implementing vineyards on the island, the Portuguese caravel that represents the grape varieties brought from the Mediterranean islands, Verdelho, the most traditional and emblematic grape variety in the region or even the initials of its real name: Pedro Frei Gigante.
The new image of the Giant Friar tells a story. Legend has it that Pedro Frei Gigante then brought the first vines to Pico, at the beginning of the island’s colonization, carrying out the first wine production experiments on black stone floors protected by basalt walls, which today characterize the second largest island in the Azores Archipelago. The Franciscans helped people work and invent ways to improve ‘real’ lives. There was an interest beyond the religious that the evolution of the people of Pico truly happened. The introduction of vineyard planting was led on the island of Pico by Franciscan friars who early recognized the existence of suitable climatic conditions for wine production. They worked as a family and knew that there were lands in the Mediterranean areas similar to those in Pico where there were vineyards. Frei Gigante was a Franciscan and played a leading role in the planting of vineyards in the Mediterranean, through sharing his knowledge.
The first plants were brought from the Mediterranean islands. The variety that gained preference due to its productivity and quality of the wines produced was Verdelho. Azorean history often mentions that the first plants were brought from Sicily, the characteristics of the vineyard and the dynamics of settlement and trade at the time point to the Canaries. After a slow start, liqueur wine became famous for its quality and at the end of the 17th century it was already exported to other islands and from the 18th century to most northern European countries.
Cockburn’s brings the coolest Santa Claus ever to Bolhão
13/12/2023This Santa Claus doesn’t perform miracles, but he does offer Port wine – which is almost the same thing. From the 14th to the 16th of December, visitors to the Bolhão market will have a glass of wine and a different Santa Claus waiting for them. Cockburn’s – owned by Symington Family Estates – chose this year to celebrate the Christmas season outside the Cellars, taking Port wine to one of the most iconic spaces in the city of Invicta, with an initiative dedicated to the most forgotten group during the Christmas season: adults .
In this Santa Claus house ‘for grown-ups’, exclusively for people over 18 years old, visitors will be invited to forget about the endless queues in shopping centres, the traffic to get in and out of the city or last-minute gift shopping, and the reveal, to a different Santa Claus than usual, your wish list for the year ahead – be it a four-day work week or an airfryer.
Later, and if it is impossible to make these wishes come true, Santa Claus will be available to record the moment with a selfie and a toast. A glass of Cockburn’s Special Reserve is the brand’s proposal to forget the anxieties of everyday life and get into the spirit of the season. The experience, which includes photography and tasting, is free and open to all (adults) who wish to participate.
Andrew May, responsible for Cockburn’s, says that the idea of carrying out the initiative in the Bolhão market arose «because it is an emblematic location in the heart of the city of Porto, with great interest and influx of visitors, both natives and tourists, and with an architecture and environment that make this the ideal setting for this activation, which aims to bring the brand and Cockburn’s Special Reserve to a greater number of people». The market’s Christmas fair, which will be taking place simultaneously, is the «perfect finish to create the right atmosphere for an action that aims to spread the spirit of the season among older people», he adds.
Dalva Tawny Port launched on the market
12/12/2023Dalva Porto Tawny 50 Years has just arrived on the market. After the recent change in the IVDP legislation, which only recently authorized this new wine in the category of Age wines – until then it only included 10, 20, 30 and 40 years old -, Dalva Porto Tawny 50 Years appears as a reflection of the historical heritage of the C. da Silva house. The wealth of very old wines, combined with knowledge, resulted in a Port Wine of complexity and refinement, with oenology by José Manuel Sousa Soares and an RRP of €240.
Dalva Porto Tawny 50 Years comes from batches of different wines of superior quality, aged in casks for varying periods, giving rise to a wine with a tawny color, with evolved aromas, presenting a tasting profile of a 50 year old wine. Its appearance is amber, with a golden edge and greenish hues. On the nose, evolved aromas of fruit stand out, especially plums and dried figs, roasted almonds, with a spicy side of curry. Very unique, multiple sensations unfold throughout the tasting, with sweet spices, such as nutmeg, appearing in the mouth, combined with lively acidity and fresh citrus notes. It ends very intense, balanced, with notes of marzipan. A complete Port Wine, to be enjoyed alone. With a recommended RRP of €240, Porto Dalva Tawny 50 years old will be on sale in the country’s main wine stores and also in the Granvinhos group’s online store (www.granvinho.pt).
Remember that in 1933, Clemente da Silva fulfilled his lifelong dream, creating an excellent wine house that would lead him to the globalization of his business: C. da Silva Vinhos – resulting from the abbreviation of its founder’s name. Close collaboration with the family Port wine company Corrêa Ribeiro e Filhos, founded in 1862, which belonged to his wife’s family, allowed him to build up his initial stocks and take his first steps in the business. C. da Silva Vintage Port Wines from 1896, 1912 or 1920 are still recognized today. Based in Vila Nova de Gaia, C. da Silva experienced an expansion process in all its aspects from an early stage, achieving high levels of recognition. and notoriety in different world markets. In 1934, the Dalva brand was registered, resulting from the contraction ‘da Silva’, the name of the company and its founder. With a simple and very Portuguese sound, success was easy to achieve in those different markets, particularly international ones. A pure expression of the Douro, where the origins of the genuine Porto designation of origin lie, Dalva is widely recognized for its unique Port Wines. These are produced under truly exceptional conditions, on the terraces of what is considered the first demarcated and regulated region in the world, and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Classified land, carefully selected grape varieties and exceptional harvests allow it to produce Port wines with high quality standards that satisfy consumers’ desires, ensuring the brand’s prestige and notoriety. It is in the cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia, that, year after year, the wines gain personality depending on the type of aging to which they are subjected. In bottle, to maintain the fresh and fruity character of the grapes, or in traditional oak barrels and casks, handcrafted by master coopers, to gain chromatic, aromatic and taste nuances through a slow oxidation given by the thickness of the wood and of years. Combining centuries-old knowledge and techniques with new technologies and innovation, the brand presents classic Port wines, as well as unique and limited collections of special categories, such as Dalva Porto Colheita Golden White or Dalva Pure organic Port wines.
Caves Churchill’s with new group activities
11/12/2023This festive season, Churchill’s offers all wine lovers the possibility of holding events at its visitor center. Wine tourists will be able to delve into the brand’s 40 years of history and explore the Port wine cellars, prepared to receive groups of companies, friends or families, through unique and exclusive experiences.
Events in the space include a guided tour of the Churchill’s Cellars, providing an immersion in the brand’s more than 40 years of history and discovering its aging processes. At the end of the visit, guests have the opportunity to go up to the private room with a privileged view over the Douro and Porto, where they can enjoy the best cuisine paired with Churchill’s excellent wines. The lunch or dinner menus – by booking the event – include pairings with the house’s Port and Douro wines. This personalized, intimate and exclusive experience has a minimum cost of €110 + VAT per person.
In addition to these activities, Churchill’s also offers the creation of wine packs to be offered in its wine tourism spaces. The brand’s wines can also be purchased at various points of sale throughout the country.
On a regular basis, visits and tastings at the Cellars take place throughout the year from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm, with the last visit scheduled for 5pm. Churchill’s also offers the possibility for visitors to book an exclusive visit with the presence of its winemakers. For this modality it is necessary to contact the brand via email at lodge@churchills.pt; or by phone: 351 22 374 4193; 351 22 370 3641 or 91 310 6066.
Cockburn’s adds color to Christmas with box inspired by urban art
07/12/2023From the walls to a new box of Vintage Port. Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house, owned by Symington Family Estates – has just presented a pack of two bottles, Porto Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canais Vintage from the same year, created in partnership with Paula P. Rezende, a Brazilian artist who won last year’s edition of the Street Art Competiton. The event, which is organized by Cockburn’s and has already been held for three years, is a move to bring the brand closer to urban art, now materializing in an exclusive box. There are only 500 packs available, for sale in the brand’s cellars.
The choice of Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canalis Vintage 2007 to accompany this release was not random. Impressed with the quality of the wines from Quinta dos Canais – home of Cockburn’s in the Douro region –, Symington’s winemakers followed their instincts and, contrary to what is considered normal, produced, that year, a Vintage Port created solely from from that property, in addition to classic Vintage. After a few years of maturation in the cellars, the pair is now presented in a limited edition box. Save or consume now? Cockburn’s invites everyone to follow their instincts.
During the box development process, which lasted approximately two months, Paula P. Rezende (@paulaprezende on Instagram) found inspiration in the mural that gave her victory in the competition promoted by the brand. The artist states that «winning the Street Art Competition opened doors to networking and publicity opportunities, helping immensely in my artistic journey in Portugal». She adds: “Initiatives like this not only celebrate art, culture and creativity, they provide artists with unique platforms to express their ideas. Cockburn’s has been creating a dynamic environment, which mixes art, culture and engagement with the public».
Without forgetting tradition, but living up to the art of being different – a characteristic present in the brand’s DNA – Cockburn’s has been establishing a bridge between Port wine and urban art. The third edition of the Street Art Competition took place at the end of September, bringing together nine artists who each developed a mural, with the aim of enhancing creativity and artistic development around the legacy of Port wine. The panel of judges – which included Paula P. Rezende – chose Gavin Renshaw (Tea One) as the winner. It is also worth remembering that, in June, Cockburn’s paid tribute to the coopers, unveiling a mural, created by the Ruído project, next to Garrafeira do Carmo, in downtown Porto.
Andrew May, brand manager, highlights the relevance of «promoting culture and creativity, and showing our consumers and the general public that Port wine is not necessarily a traditional drink, and can be enjoyed (and communicated) with relaxation». Still according to the person responsible, «this is a gift that Cockburn’s is now giving to its consumers, presenting itself as a suggestion for this Christmas season. We want to encourage the tradition of offering Port Wine, encouraging the sharing of a quality and cult product, but with a very current and appealing image». The person in charge also expresses the desire to continue collaborating, in the future, with participants in the competition organized annually by Cockburn’s.
Ravasqueira launches Vinha das Romãs Red 2021
05/12/2023The 2021 edition of one of the brand’s most iconic wines hits the market. A unique, very special Alentejo wine that continues to challenge its most loyal consumers and that falls in love with anyone who tastes it.
The harvest ends, the first autumn rains arrive and Ravasqueira launches another edition of Vinha das Romãs Red (2021 harvest). One of the brand’s best-known and most anticipated wines, whose history has taken root in the minds of consumers. At the site, in Arraiolos, where the plot was planted in 2002, there was a pomegranate orchard. In these 7.5 hectares of unique soil, designed for the practice of precision viticulture, strains of Touriga Franca and Syrah were planted, whose roots were intertwined with those of the pomegranate trees that remained there to enrich the soil. Thus, years later, Vinha das Romãs Red was born, a blend with a special profile that is recognized and widely appreciated by the most demanding consumer market. Always with the same promise of quality and the same two grape varieties, from the same location. The percentage varies over time, but tradition and excellence remain.
With a recommended RRP of 20 Euros, Vinha das Romãs Red 2021, whose batch of Touriga Franca and Syrah spent around 20 months in new French Oak barrels, presents «the usual dense dark red and opaque color; Reserved nose, at first, then complex with black fruits, cedar, forest fruits, pennyroyal, mix of spices and cardamom. The taste is fleshy, solid and growing tannins, but fine and elegant in the end. Lots of freshness, with a mineral and granite finish». This is said by David Baverstock, Chief Winemaker at Ravasqueira, who emphasizes that «it is a pleasure to present another vintage of Vinha das Romãs Red. A unique wine that national and international critics appreciate and which, year after year, continues to prove its consistency and quality as an icon of Portugal and Alentejo».
In addition to the recognition from consumers, due to its uniqueness, Vinha das Romãs has been repeated on the list of winners in international competitions. Remember that the previous edition was ‘Revelação’ – the highest scoring Portuguese wine in the Brussels World Competition.