Launched white and rosé by Lavradores de Feitoria
03/07/2023From the Douro to the national and international market, Lavradores de Feitoria has already launched the 2022 harvest of its white and rosé with the same name. A duo of light, fruity, fresh wines, ideal for drinking in relaxed moments, solo or with uncomplicated dishes, easy and quick to prepare. A range that also includes the red Lavradores de Feitoria, now from 2021, and which strives to be accessible in hypermarkets, wineries and restaurants from north to south and islands. Wines that are available in 750ml bottles (€5.99) and, in the case of white and red, in 2 liter packages (€9.99), designed, in an initial phase, to respond to the strategy of the Nordic markets, but which increasingly capture the attention of Portuguese oenophiles, from a perspective of sustainability and loyalty to the brand. Wines that can be easily found in several shopping areas but also in the Enotourism shop of Lavradores de Feitoria.
In the Enotourism space of Lavradores de Feitoria, personalized visits are privileged, made by a local host, Eduardo Ferreira, who has a deep knowledge of what the Douro is and the métier of receiving and telling stories, from the vineyard to the wine. Located in Quinta do Medronheiro, on Estrada Nacional 323, n.º 10, in Sabrosa, the headquarters, cellar and wine shop of Lavradores de Feitoria is open from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm. The wine tourism offer is organized with a visit, tastings or a binomial visit and wine tasting. Regular visits take place from Monday to Friday, at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. In the case of a private visit, the time can be scheduled according to needs, but only by reservation.
Cheese and wine: the perfect combination to celebrate summer at Adega José de Sousa
01/07/2023Located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Adega José Sousa welcomes summer with a special programme, which invites you to visit the cellar and try some of the best wines from the producer paired with national cheeses, during the month of July.
From the 1st to the 31st of July you can visit Adega José Sousa, a property full of prestige and history, which has two wineries with very different styles, where tradition and modernity combine perfectly. At Adega dos Potes, where there are 114 clay pots, the ancestral and ancient fermentation method is evident in the production of wines, while at Adega Moderna, which has 44 stainless steel tanks, the technology implemented in production is essential to achieve the excellence.
At the end of the guided tour, you can enjoy a tasting of three white wines paired with three cheeses: fresh cheese, cured goat cheese and butter cheese.
Programme: Adega José de Sousa, Reguengos de Monsaraz – July 1st to 31st – Price per adult: €22.50 (minimum 2 people); The entrance price includes a visit to the cellar, tasting of 3 white wines and 3 cheeses. Book at least 72 hours in advance through the contacts:
josedesousa@jmfonseca.pt | +351 918 269 569
Adega José de Sousa has existed since 1878 and was acquired by José Maria da Fonseca in 1986, in order to fulfill the old dream of producing wine in the Alentejo, in a property full of prestige and history. Located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, this is where a tradition started by the Romans over 2000 years ago is kept alive. Adega José de Sousa has 114 clay pots, where an ancient and extremely rare fermentation method is carried out. In addition to the traditional cellar, below ground level, with the hoists and two presses for treading, it also has a modern cellar, with 44 stainless steel vats and with all the essential technology for the vinification of reds, whites and rosés. At Adega José de Sousa, some of the ancestral winemaking techniques are still used, the most emblematic being the use of carving in the fermentation of the grapes. The essentials of carving winemaking have changed little in over two thousand years. In this process, the grapes previously crushed by foot are destemmed on the traditional ripanço table. Afterwards, the grape must, the skins and some part of the stem are placed inside clay pots, where fermentation occurs spontaneously. The use of jars gives spices and a third dimension to the wine. Subsequently, in the case of wine, the white wine is removed and placed in a new vase and the red is removed from the vase and ages partly in brown barrels and partly in vases. It is an artisanal and natural process, as much as the wine that results from it. Adega José de Sousa’s portfolio includes the following wines: Montado – white, red and rosé; Ripanço; Monte da Ribeira – white and red; José de Sousa, José de Sousa Reserva, José de Sousa Mayor; J by José de Sousa; Puro Talha – white and red. Adega José de Sousa also has an Enotourism unit, which is open for guided tours, wine tasting, wines and snacks and even has the possibility of receiving groups to visit.
Tomorrow is the white party, in Condeixa
30/06/2023The first edition of Festa Branca Condeixa – Wine Party will take place next Saturday, July 1st, from 6 pm to 11 pm. The host space is the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, owner of a beautiful garden, with a fantastic swimming pool and space for events, in Condeixa-a-Nova, very close to Coimbra.
Celebrating summer also has the color white as its motto, a symbol of life, purity, freshness and new beginnings. Everyone is invited to wear at least one piece of white clothing to get into the party spirit. A glamorous environment that will be filled with sensory experiences, starting with the extended tasting of more than 100 fantastic wines and sparkling wines, craft beers and wine cocktails, to which will be added a lot of music and animation. To harmonize perfectly with the tastings, the Gavius Restaurant kitchen prepared a tempting menu: Duck Rice, Vegetable Lasagna, Cod with Cream (for €12.5) and assorted Finger Food or Caldo Verde (5€).
Contemplating the garden of the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço and the surrounding landscape, guests will be gathered in the garden, in the events room and on the rooftop, which will be the stage for the party itself. In parallel, special tastings will be held, presented by enologists and master brewers, with free admission, but subject to the number of places available. A unique opportunity to learn more about these secular and passionate drinks.
The Festa Branca Condeixa – Wine Party is part of the summer events calendar of the magazine Paixão Pelo Vinho and has the support of the ADFP Foundation, the Municipality of Condeixa, the Conímbriga Hotel do Paço, Purple Media and the magazine Paixão Pela Cerveja.
Tickets are on sale at Fnac and Worten stores, at the usual ticket outlets for shows and online at ticketline.sapo.pt.
New harvests launched by Dona Vitória, from Ravasqueira
29/06/2023Three of the recent harvests of Dona Vitória wines have reached the markets, a brand that combines the best Alentejo grape varieties in a timeless style of wine with an international profile.
The Dona Vitória Coleção Privada Branco 2022 (RPPR €9.99) features a blend of grape varieties that combines the traditional Alentejo Antão Vaz with Arinto and Alvarinho. A perfect balance between acidity, structure and unctuousness which, combined with the three-month aging in barrels, allows the creation of a white with a wide range of tasting, perfect to start a late afternoon in good company and then continue around the table, with snacks. assorted.
Dona Vitória’s references to Grande Escolha Branco e Red 2022 (RRP €14.99) are wines made to please the tastes of connoisseurs and oenophiles, ideal for taking home with friends. The white combines Antão Vaz, Arinto and Viognier, with a six-month aging in French oak barrels. The red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet, is a wine that ages in barrels for eight months, showing notes of spices, an opaque color and a taste in the mouth that all lovers of meat and traditional dishes fall in love with. portuguese.
The quality of the three references has been recognized all over the world. The white wine Dona Vitória Private Collection 2022 won the gold medal of the China Wine & Spirits contest for the best price-quality ratio category among thousands of participants. The white Dona Vitória Grande Escolha 2022 received the gold medal at the Challenge Internacional du Vin, in France, while the red Vitória Grande Escolha 2022 won two gold medals at the same events: Challenge Internacional du Vin and China Wine & Spirits.
One last curiosity that characterizes the entire Dona Vitória range. The carriage that is used as a symbol of the brand and that can be seen on the label is available for visits at the Ravasqueira wine tourism, and is on display at the Driving Museum. One more reason to visit Arraiolos!
Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program distinguished in the Green Awards
26/06/2023The Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (PSVA) was recently distinguished at the Prêmio Verdes, an initiative by the magazine Visão, in partnership with the Águas de Portugal group, which aims to reward individuals, companies and organizations that stand out in Portugal in the area of the environment. This year, the award in the ‘Action’ category was awarded to the initiative in the area of sustainability of the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA).
The initiative is divided into 10 categories and, according to the organizers, aims to recognize, disseminate and reward good practices and examples of excellence that stand out for their contribution to the environment and sustainable development in the context of the current climate emergency. «It is with great pride that we receive this award, which places the wine sector and the Alentejo at the forefront with regard to the implementation of policies and measures that allow the Alentejo viticulture to be carried out in an environmentally conscious, socially responsible and economically viable way» , points out João Barroso, program coordinator, recalling that «the PSVA already has 638 associated members, representing more than 58% of the vineyard area of Alentejo.
The quality and originality of the project, the impact on society and the potential for replication were some of the evaluation criteria for the candidates and through which the jury’s decisions were unanimously taken.
It should be recalled that PSVA, for promoting more sustainable practices at an environmental, social and economic level in Alentejo vineyards and wineries, has already been distinguished with numerous international awards, from «The Drinks Business Green Awards»; the European Business Promotion Awards, an initiative of the European Commission and coordinated, in Portugal, by IAPMEI; the title of European Ambassador for Rural Innovation for the LIAISON project, a European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability, also launched by the European Commission; and also with the ‘Sustainability Initiative Award’ from the IRGAwards, an initiative of Deloitte.
Saint John returns to Cockburn’s
19/06/2023Barbecue, wine and quality cocktails, lively music and dancers, fireworks. It already smells like São João in Invicta, and Cockburn’s – one of the most renowned Port wine houses, owned by Symington Family Estates – joins the party. In partnership, as in the previous year, with the Belos Aires restaurant and the Altano wine brand, Cockburn’s will open its doors to host another edition of ‘São João at the Lodge’. On June 23, Saint John’s Eve, between 7 pm and 1 am, the contagious euphoria typical of Santos Populares will flood one of the main cellars in the historic center of Vila Nova de Gaia – and everyone is invited to participate.
The ticket costs 30 euros (plus the Eventbrite service fee) and includes three options from a selection of delicacies that combine tradition with modernity: sardines on a cornbread skewer with pepper chimichurri, Argentine choripan (a small baguette Tostada with chorizo and tomato and red onion vinaigrette), Argentinian steak (Argentinian breast, provolone and oregano) or an empanada from a range of available varieties. It should be noted that two of the empanadas available are vegetarian. Participants will also be entitled to three drinks, as part of the Cockburn’s Port Wine offer – traditional or in the form of a cocktail – and Douro DOC Altano Red, White or Rosé wine. In addition to the suggestions provided for in the menu, and included in the ticket price, it will be possible to purchase other dishes and drinks, for the price of seven and three euros, respectively.
In an event that appeals to the whole family, the little ones are not left out. The ticket – free for children under four years old and €10 for children between four and 12 years old – includes two of the previously listed options and unlimited lemonade. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available for purchase here and prices shown do not include the Eventbrite service fee. It should be noted that, upon arrival, participants should go to the front door of Cockburn’s premises – at Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas, 225, in Vila Nova de Gaia – and that it is possible to find free parking on the street and nearby .
Sauvignon Blanc da Bacalhôa launched
17/06/2023The Bacalhôa family of single varieties now has a new member, Bacalhôa Sauvignon Blanc, produced as the name implies with a French variety of great worldwide prominence, now also planted in the clay-limestone terroir of Quinta da Bacalhôa.
This monovarietal – Bacalhôa Sauvignon Blanc 2022, has a very present acidity, floral and fruity aromatic notes, with good concentration and freshness on the palate.
This wine is the ideal pairing for lovers of Portuguese cuisine, whether light fish dishes, such as salted sea bass or shellfish; or milder meat dishes such as chicken or turkey. Due to its notable aromatic complexity, it also stands out as an excellent choice for international dishes, more exotic and spicy, with dishes such as pad thai, sushi, Peruvian ceviche or a poke bowl. The average price is around €12.99. Also available at Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal wine tourism stores.
International Picnic Day at Quinta da Aveleda
17/06/2023Quinta da Aveleda celebrates the International Picnic Day – June 18th – suggesting a day full of family activities which, obviously, includes a tasty picnic well washed down with Aveleda wines.
The program begins at 12:30 pm, with a picnic. But the fun continues at 2:30 pm with traditional family games where everyone can participate. The activity ends at 4 pm, with a guided tour through the gardens of this emblematic farm located in Penafiel, in the Vinho Verde region. The experience costs €35 per adult and €17.5 per child (5-12 years old).
To book the activity, just get in touch with the Enotourism team. Bookings through the website www.aveleda.com/pt, email enoturismo@aveleda.pt or phone +351 255 718 200.
Quinta da Aveleda was founded in 1870 by Manoel Pedro Guedes. Today in the hands of the fifth generation, Aveleda S.A. is the largest producer and exporter of Vinho Verde in Portugal, being present in more than 70 countries with its extensive range of products. Producer of brands such as Casal Garcia, Aveleda, Adega Velha, Quinta Vale D. Maria, Quinta d’Aguieira, Villa Alvor and Mandriola de Lisboa. Aveleda S.A. celebrated in 2020, 150 years of a history of family and innovation.
Torre de Palma promotes the 5th edition of the Wine Market
15/06/2023It is already on the 17th of June that Monforte will host an exhibition of the best Alentejo wines, taking place at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel. This is the 5th edition of the Torre de Palma Wine Market, which reflects the best that Alentejo producers have to offer, on a day also marked by traditional flavors and sounds, such as the outdoor dinner with Porco no Espeto and the performance of the group “Wine & Voice”.
Throughout the event, visitors will be able to taste the latest harvests and innovations from local producers and interact with those responsible for each brand. This is an opportunity to get to know in more depth the excellence of the region’s wines, with the possibility of purchasing the various references, as well as some special editions.
The organization of the Wine Market is the responsibility of Torre de Palma, one of the main producers in the region. «This is an event that fills us with pride and that promotes the high quality of Alentejo wines. The 5th edition will, once again, bring together lovers of our Torre de Palma wine but also those looking to meet other producers, with access to special editions and on-site tastings», explains Luísa Rebelo, General Manager of Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
The doors of Wine Market’23 open at 4 pm and tickets cost 5 euros (entrance + glass*) and 35 euros (entrance + glass + dinner**), subject to pre-registration.
*The glass entitles you to the tastings established by the producers.
**Enrollment limit for program with outdoor dinner until June 10th.
*Producers who are present at the event: Torre de Palma; Rovisco Garcia; Terrenus/Rui Reguinga; Reynolds Wine Growers; Tiago Cabaço Winery; Lima Mayer; Herdade do Perdigão/Monte do Pintor; Reguengo do Souzao; Adega Mayor; Tapada dos Coelheiros; Rosa Santos Family wines; Manova; Mouchão; Dona Maria Vinhos – Júlio Bastos; Alter Lands; Howard’s Folly; Quinta do Paral; Herdade Papa Leite; Monte da Bonança; Mingorra – Henrique Uva.
Program:
16:00 – Doors open and wine tasting by producers
7:30 pm – Outdoor dinner with Pork on the Stick
21:00 – Performance “Vinho & Voz”
23:00 – Closing
Casa Relvas launches new Pé de Mãe harvest
13/06/2023Casa Relvas has launched a new vintage of one of the top-of-the-range references in its portfolio: Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020. This is a very special wine, which represents the noble grape varieties that the Alentejo producer has been promoting. «2020 was a difficult year in Alentejo. The winter was cold and rainy and the spring very rainy with a lot of mildew pressure. The summer was hot and dry, however with a large presence of water in the soil. During maturation, the cold and dry nights allowed preserving the acidity and achieving very balanced levels of phenolic maturation», explains Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas.
‘Pé de Mãe’ is the name given to the vines selected for vegetative reproduction, which are chosen for the quality of their fruit and also for their good adaptation to a given terroir and resistance to wood diseases. This wine is a tribute to the traditional Alentejo grape varieties, which have been losing some importance in the region and which are currently increasingly forgotten, but which Casa Relvas has also been highlighting with its range of red and white single varieties.
For the production of this wine, composed mainly of Trincadeira (90%), grapes were selected from the plants that presented the best vegetative expression and more homogeneous maturation. The grapes come from a vineyard planted in 2001, at Herdade de São Miguel, in Redondo, on shale soils, surrounded by a forest of cork oaks.
The Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020, with manual harvesting and selection on the plot, underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts (naturally present in the vine, in the grapes, in the soil and in the air), with controlled temperature, and fermentation in stainless steel with whole berry and 20% of stems. There was also a 30-day maceration, and the stage was made in a 5,000-liter French oak barrel, over 18 months. With an open ruby color and aroma of red fruits and orange blossoms, with balsamic notes, this wine has a good acidity on the palate, smooth tannins, and a fruity and persistent aftertaste.
Herdade de São Miguel Pé de Mãe 2020 is the ideal wine to accompany soft cheeses, stews, sausages and red meats. With a recommended RRP of 30 euros, the new vintage of this already iconic Casa Relvas wine is on sale in the main wineries and specialty stores across the country.