Blandy’s Madeira Unveils New 10-Year-Old Collection: A New Generation of Madeira Wine
13/11/2024Blandy’s Madeira presents its new line of 10-Year-Old wines, developed after extensive research into the aging process of each grape variety. This innovative collection features transparent bottles, a first in the Madeira wine market, and colorful labels that facilitate the identification of sweetness levels and wine varieties. The line highlights the four main white grape varieties—Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia—which represent the four classic styles of Madeira wine: dry, medium dry, medium sweet, and sweet.
This launch reflects a new generation of Madeira wines, aligned with current consumption trends. The product combines innovation and tradition, offering a differentiated and unconventional experience for wine lovers. Chris Blandy, CEO of Madeira Wine Company and a member of the seventh generation of the family, along with award-winning winemaker Francisco Albuquerque, continue to preserve the company’s rich heritage while expanding knowledge about Madeira wine. This dedication to the family legacy of over two centuries is the foundation for the continuous development of the brand.
Blandy’s Madeira has invested significantly in research and development to understand the complex aging process of Madeira wine and the challenges posed by climate change. Over the past few years, both the temperature and humidity of the 12 aging rooms, located at Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal and the Caniçal cellars, have been monitored daily to determine the ideal aging conditions for each grape variety. This allows for a meticulous adjustment in the aging process, ensuring that each wine reaches its maximum potential.
The new 10-Year-Old wines result from the harmonious combination of centuries-old techniques and modern knowledge. With fresher and more dynamic characteristics, they reflect new consumption trends without losing the essence of traditional Madeira wine.
The visual renewal is also part of this repositioning, through the introduction of a transparent bottle, customized and developed specifically for this project—an innovation in the Madeira wine market—which allows consumers to appreciate the amber-gold tones of the wine and notice the variations between the grape varieties. In addition, the colorful labels, inspired by the colors found on the island, appeal to the versatility of Madeira wine and indicate the sweetness level, making the consumer’s choice more intuitive.
This launch marks a new chapter in the history of Blandy’s, reaffirming its leadership in the world of Madeira wines. The line invites both enthusiasts and experts on a journey of discovery, where tradition and innovation come together in every glass.
Quinta da Alorna Launches New Wine Brand
05/11/2024Quinta da Alorna Creations is the new wine brand from Quinta da Alorna, distinguished by its irreverence, superior quality, and exclusivity. This venture by Quinta da Alorna comes to fruition following the investment in 2020 in Wine Creations, a winemaking center that combines creativity and inspiration with knowledge.
The investment of €250,000 is now materialized in the commercialization of original and unique limited-edition wines, developed and produced at Wine Creations, under the direction of Martta Reis Simões, the winemaking director of the Almeirim estate.
Amphorae 2023 is the first release of the Quinta da Alorna Creations brand and is now available on the market. There are 813 numbered bottles for sale of a wine born in an ancient clay amphora from the Quinta da Alorna’s own collection. “Quinta da Alorna Creations is the result of our ambition, our desire to innovate, and the ability of all the teams involved to make it happen. We are confident that this first release will allow us to reach a niche market and continue to elevate the name of Quinta da Alorna and Tejo wines in Portugal and beyond,” says Pedro Lufinha, General Director of Quinta da Alorna.
Quinta da Alorna presents the first wine of its new brand: Amphorae 2023. Irreverent, this wine, which combines ancestry with knowledge, comes from sand grapes in skin maceration that evolved in clay. Produced from Alvarinho and Fernão Pires grapes, Amphorae 2023 has a well-defined and transparent aroma where the pure aromas of clay and earth stand out simultaneously with the aromas of orange, peach, and aromatic herbs. The palate is full-bodied and textured, with a concise and vibrant acidity. In the finish, the refreshing clay notes reappear on a background of dried fruit that persists in the mouth.
The wine, which comes from an ancient clay amphora kept in the old museum of Quinta da Alorna, naturally benefited from the qualities of the raw clay amphora, transmitting minerality and genuineness. “Amphorae 2023 marks the beginning and the reflection of this ambitious project through the work done so far, where creativity and dedication to what inspires and moves us intersect with knowledge,” highlights Martta Reis Simões, Winemaking Director of Quinta da Alorna.
Chestnuts Take Center Stage at Cockburn’s “A La Mesa” Dinners
01/11/2024Celebrating Saint Martin’s Day with a special touch. That’s the proposal of Caves Cockburn’s for another edition of the ‘A La Mesa’ dinners, this year dedicated to Magusto. On November 8th and 9th, for the fourth consecutive year, the Port wine house – owned by the Symington family – is preparing an exclusive table for 60 people, once again counting on the partnership of chef Maurício Ghiglione, from the Belos Aires restaurant. In this edition, the event is betting on six-hands dinners, with a twist: all dishes will be made with chestnuts.
For the preparation of the special Magusto menu – composed of six moments and only revealed on the day of the event -, chef Maurício Ghiglione will share the reins of the improvised kitchen at Caves Cockburn’s with chefs João Magalhães, from the Pata Gorda restaurant, and João Pupo Lameiras, from the Bacalhau, Muro do Bacalhau and Ro restaurants. In addition to meat and fish proposals, diners can enjoy, from 7:30 pm, a welcome drink accompanied by appetizers, and throughout the dinner, exclusive references from the Symington Family Estates portfolio, which will be presented for the first time.
As a unique experience of harmonization between wine and gastronomy, the A La Mesa dinners are characterized by the preparation of dishes over an open fire and the incomparable atmosphere of the largest Port wine aging warehouse in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia. At a single table, surrounded by 10,000 oak barrels, conviviality is the secret ingredient of the event, which celebrates, this year, the spirit of sharing of Saint Martin’s Day, as well as the versatility of traditional chestnuts.
Regarding the fourth edition of the initiative, Rita Veiga Bulhosa, responsible for the events and activations area of Symington, says: “We challenged the three chefs to cook all the dishes with chestnuts, and we have very high expectations for this edition.” Highlighting the success of the last editions, she adds: “This gastronomic and wine experience is one of the most special moments of the year for us. From the preparation over fire, to the wines, to the atmosphere, this event could not be more extraordinary. We have people who don’t miss an edition”.
Tickets for the ‘A La Mesa: Magusto Edition’ dinners are already available on the Eventbrite website, for 75 euros per person (plus the platform’s service fee), which includes the appetizer, dinner, drinks and a blanket, to ensure everyone’s comfort. The entrance to the event will be through the back of Caves Cockburn’s, on Rua Dona Leonor de Freitas, and there is free public parking available nearby, as well as a bus stop served by STCP lines 901 and 906.
Artificial Intelligence and Cooperation Mark the 49th APAVT Congress
31/10/2024The 49th Congress of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies concluded last week in Huelva, Andalusia, after three intense days of debates on the future of tourism and the application of artificial intelligence in the sector.
At the opening of the event, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, reinforced the importance of digital innovation and sustainability as strategic pillars for Portugal’s competitiveness. He also highlighted the need to adapt tourism policies to new technologies and Iberian cooperation, emphasizing that digital transformation is essential to achieve more sustainable and efficient tourism.
Pedro Costa Ferreira, president of APAVT, reinforced cohesion and unity within the sector, reflecting on current challenges and the importance of a shared vision among agencies and other tourism stakeholders. Costa Ferreira emphasized that the congress promoted the strengthening of ties within the sector, underlining that “tourism matters” and is crucial for the national economy.
Among the highlights, Paulo Portas, former deputy prime minister, addressed the geopolitical and economic challenges facing Portugal in the European and global context. Portas analyzed Portugal’s position in international value chains, highlighting the importance of active economic diplomacy and a robust tourism sector to drive national development.
Sérgio Ferreira, Partner at EY, presented artificial intelligence as a transformative tool for the tourism sector, discussing the potential of new technologies to optimize the customer experience and improve operational efficiency in travel agencies. Ferreira stressed that “AI is no longer just a trend, but a reality,” encouraging industry professionals to adopt these innovations to remain competitive.
With discussions on international cooperation and digital innovation, the congress concluded with a dinner offered by Turismo da Madeira, providing a space for networking and socializing among participants.
Ventozelo Winery Celebrates Hunting Season with New Game Dishes
29/10/2024To mark the opening of hunting season, Cantina de Ventozelo is continuing its monthly initiative to celebrate regional and seasonal products with the introduction of new dishes dedicated to lovers of game. Under the guidance of Chef José Guedes, partridge and wild boar take center stage this month as a tribute to the hunting tradition in the Douro region.
More than 400 hectares of Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta are dedicated to vineyards, but the river and forest also play significant roles in the estate’s life. It is no surprise, therefore, that hunting and the game reserve have been important aspects of its history for over 500 years, even before the vineyards and wine became prominent. Historical documents even include a 1910 decree defining the forest perimeter and establishing a game reserve on the “Quinta de Ventosello”.
In 2024, the Cantina de Ventozelo restaurant honors this historical legacy by showcasing game dishes. “My main goal with this monthly initiative to celebrate regional and seasonal products is to highlight both what is produced on the estate and the region’s heritage,” explains Chef José Guedes. Throughout October, game will take center stage, with three new additions to the daily lunch menu: Marinated Partridge (€12), Creamy River Fish Rice (€22), and Wild Boar Stew in Douro Wines (€24). The main menu will also feature two classic dishes already available year-round: Game Tart with Greens (€12) and Wild Boar Stew (€6).
This initiative by the Cantina de Ventozelo restaurant began in March of this year with a celebration of pig slaughter. Scheduled to run until the end of 2024, it manifests itself in special menus and additional activities such as themed tastings or live demonstrations of techniques and products, ranging from beefsteak tomatoes to the harvest, including hunting and olive picking (scheduled for November).
Open to guests and the general public, Cantina de Ventozelo, which occupies the very spot where farm workers were once served meals, continues under the guidance of Chef José Guedes to bring local gastronomy and traditional Douro recipes to life.
Cockburn’s Prepares a Spooky Surprise for Halloween
22/10/2024Halloween is just around the corner, and Cockburn’s is getting ready to host another edition of its ‘Fright Night’. With the tagline ‘Follow the Whispers’, this event will challenge the bravest souls to explore the historic Cockburn’s Caves – owned by Symington Family Estates – on the nights of October 30th (English tour) and 31st (Portuguese tour) at 9:30 PM. As usual, the tour will culminate in a tasting of three wines from this renowned Port house.
While the idea may seem intimidating, the concept is simple: explore the historic Port wine aging warehouse – the largest in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia – during the scariest night of the year. Cockburn’s history is full of mysteries, and one of the most unusual ways to discover them is in the silence of the night, by lantern light. To calm the most frightened hearts, the visit will end with a tasting of three Cockburn’s wines: Tails of Unexpected Ruby Soho, Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage, and Cockburn’s Special Reserve.
For those brave enough, participation in ‘Fright Night’ costs €20 per person and requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance. To participate, guests must bring a flashlight or smartphone. More information is available on the Cockburn’s website (www.cockburns.com/visit-us), by email (cockburnslodge@cockburns.com), or by phone (+351 913 007 950).
APENO LAUNCHES WINE TOURISM TV TO BOOST SECTOR’S INTERNATIONALIZATION
21/10/2024WITH TOURISM DECENTRALIZATION AND INCREASED PORTUGUESE WINE EXPORTS IN FOCUS,
APENO LAUNCHES WINE TOURISM TV TO BOOST SECTOR’S INTERNATIONALIZATION
PORTUGUESE WINE TOURISM GENERATES €800 MILLION IN REVENUE IN 2023
Portuguese wine tourism now has a new online TV channel, launched by APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism. Wine Tourism TV was created with the aim of promoting the sector internationally and attracting visitors to lesser-known regions of Portugal.
Officially launched today at the Hotel Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos, the first channel entirely dedicated to national wine tourism is part of APENO’s internationalization strategy. The platform aims to communicate, in a creative and educational way, the richness and diversity of Portuguese wine tourism, positioning Portugal as a reference destination for wine lovers and industry professionals.
APENO has already invested around €100,000 in the first phase of the project, which involved the creation of the platform and the production of the first programs.
Wine Tourism TV, with all programming subtitled in English, is aimed at both domestic and international wine tourists, as well as companies, entities in the wine and tourism sectors, and specialized journalists.
Initially, the channel will feature two programs — “Wine Tourism World” and “Wine Tourism Talks” — as well as a weekly news program, “Wine Tourism News”. “Wine Tourism Talks” will also be available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Google Podcast, and Apple Podcast.
This project was born out of the need for a dedicated communication channel for wine tourism, both in Portugal and abroad.
“We want to showcase that Portuguese wine tourism is one of the best in the world. Besides the quality of our wines, the Portuguese are masters of hospitality,” says Maria João de Almeida, president of APENO.
In addition to attracting younger audiences, the association’s president highlights the goal of combating tourism seasonality by promoting activities throughout the year.
With Wine Tourism TV, APENO aims to ensure greater agility in the creation and dissemination of content for the sector, increasing penetration in strategic markets such as the USA, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
The president also highlights that the platform will contribute to the decentralization of tourism, promoting lesser-known wine regions and boosting regional economic development
“Beyond promoting tourism decentralization, this channel will be a showcase for the quality of our wines. By reaching importers, distributors, and foreign consumers, we also hope to boost exports of Portuguese wine,” adds Maria João de Almeida.
In addition to promoting wine regions, Wine Tourism TV aims to attract new investments to the sector, with a view to creating new infrastructure and improving existing ones.
A new era for wine tourism in Portugal is dawning
With annual visitor numbers reaching approximately 3 million, according to Turismo de Portugal, the sector has experienced substantial growth. The launch of Wine Tourism TV is expected to propel this growth further, capitalizing on the global trend of valuing cultural and gastronomic experiences.
In 2023, wine tourism accounted for 4.2% of tourism’s contribution to the national GDP, generating a turnover of €800 million. APENO estimates that this value will increase to 5% by the end of 2024.
The Wine Tourism TV platform is already preparing to expand into new languages and formats, including live events, virtual tours, and even a marketplace for members. Premium content areas, merchandising, and distribution on TV operators such as NOS, MEO, and Vodafone, as well as transportation companies like CP and TAP, social media, and travel websites are also planned.
With a program that includes visits to wine tourism companies, interviews with industry professionals, weekly news, and much more, Wine Tourism TV promises to be an essential tool for increasing the visibility of Portuguese wine tourism, positioning the country as a leading international destination. ‘Wine Tourism TV will showcase the best of Portugal and contribute to a new era in wine tourism,’ concludes Maria João de Almeida.”
Urban Wine Tourism: Tomar City Embraces the Debut of the Tejo a Copo Event
21/10/2024The first edition of TOMAR um Tejo a Copo was a resounding success. With over 700 attendees, the event was sold out, and the joy was palpable on the faces of both producers and consumers alike. It was particularly heartwarming to see families at the event, which, in addition to wine, offered a selection of gastronomic delights courtesy of the newly opened Vila Galé Collection Tomar.
“With six editions under its belt, Tejo a Copo is already a much-loved event among locals, especially wine enthusiasts. This year, for the first time, we decided to organize a second event, moving the location from Santarém to Tomar. We had high expectations, both the Tejo Regional Wine Commission (CVR Tejo) and Tomar City Council, but the first edition always holds a surprise. Despite the forecast of bad weather, we were fortunate to have a full house and a sunny afternoon, allowing attendees to enjoy the outdoor space right in front of the Vila Galé Collection Tomar. It was undoubtedly a winning bet. We are convinced that the Tejo wines need events like this, where consumers can interact directly with producers, enjoying tastings accompanied by the stories behind each wine,” said Luís de Castro, President of the CVR Tejo.
Twenty-four producers participated in TOMAR um Tejo a Copo 2024, eight of them from the Tomar municipality, with some making their debut at a Tejo a Copo event.
The program also included three wine tastings led by sommelier, consultant, and Tejo Wine Ambassador Rodolfo Tristão. The tastings focused on ‘Fernão Pires, the Queen of Tejo Grapes’, ‘Castelão, the Red Emblem of Tejo’, and ‘Wines of Tomar: the Essence of Terroir’. The keen and engaged audience filled the space, and the shop also experienced peak attendance, indicating that visitors enjoyed the wines and chose some to take home, extending their Tejo wine tasting experience. The Tejo Wine Route, with its year-round online shop, offered special prices, a cloth bag with the purchase of two or more bottles, and free shipping within mainland Portugal for purchases of six or more bottles.
José Maria da Fonseca Auctions Rare Moscatel Wines
15/10/2024In its 190th anniversary year, José Maria da Fonseca is releasing a limited-edition, commemorative Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924. Of the 190 numbered bottles produced, only 100 will be auctioned. As the oldest producer of Moscatel de Setúbal, José Maria da Fonseca has inherited a unique and unparalleled heritage of this generous wine. This century-old vintage, crafted using the same methods and techniques employed by the company at its founding in 1834, stands out for its quality and nobility.
The auction will take place on October 17th at the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. This limited and rare century-old wine has captivated wine experts, collectors, and those passionate about wine history and culture. To celebrate this unique release, the José Maria Fonseca House Museum is hosting a dinner in the winery, limited to 100 guests, before the auction. To attend the dinner and participate in the auction, which is being conducted by Palácio do Correio Velho, there is a fee of €100.
In addition to the 1924 vintage, the auction will feature 36 lots of other old vintages of Moscatel de Setúbal from years such as 1928, 1934, 1945, 1960, and 1962. Two of the final auction lots reflect the authenticity and history of this legacy: a commemorative Moscatel de Setúbal edition celebrating SL Benfica’s European Championship wins in 1961 and 1962, designed by Nuno Gama, and a bottle of the iconic Apótheose Bastardinho.
The sixth and seventh generations of the Soares Franco family came together to select the Moscatel that would best mark this celebration of nearly two centuries of history and tradition. From a vast array of options, they chose the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924, which was classified with the most noble letter and stood out the most – the designation of “Superior”.
António Maria Soares Franco, Co-CEO of José Maria da Fonseca and a member of the 7th generation of the family, stated, “Holding this auction in our 190th anniversary year reinforces our company’s commitment to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of producing unique wines, with a particular focus on Moscatel de Setúbal. As inheritors of this heritage, we have a duty not only to preserve it but also to share it. Auctions provide a unique moment for sharing, interaction, and appreciation.”
José Maria da Fonseca possesses an unparalleled heritage of Moscatel de Setúbal, and with it, a great responsibility to preserve not only the collection of vintages that carefully age in the Adega dos Teares Velhos but also the cultural and historical heritage of Moscatel de Setúbal production. Part of this culture remains alive through the continuation of traditions such as the centuries-old tastings and classifications of each vintage, which are still marked in certain categories, sometimes by letters, sometimes by words, as well as through the José Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setúbal Auctions.
Begun in the 19th century, these auctions were frequent until the first half of the 20th century. After several decades of hiatus, the 6th generation of the family revived the tradition in 2008 with the release of the Moscatel Roxo Superior 1960. Following this return, releases took place in 2011 with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1955, in 2014 with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1911, and in 2018 with the Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal Superior 1918. For 2024, José Maria da Fonseca is immensely proud and honored to present a special commemorative edition with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924.
A catalog of all lots up for auction is available at: https://bit.ly/3XvMWVV
João Pires Introduces New Sparkling Wine
15/10/2024Renowned for its white wine made from Moscatel de Setúbal grapes, the João Pires brand continues to innovate with the launch of its first sparkling wine – the João Pires Brut 2022.
This sparkling wine stands out for its freshness and elegance, thanks to the grape variety that gives it its origin. Whether to accompany the upcoming festive seasons or for moments of conviviality with friends and family, João Pires Brut 2022 is the ideal choice for all occasions. From the 2022 harvest, this sparkling wine is a 100% Moscatel de Setúbal single varietal, just like the white wine, its most iconic reference of the brand that gives it its name. With a citrus color, João Pires Brut 2022 presents floral aromas, lychee, bakery, and biscuit. On the palate, its bubble is fine and the acidity is refreshing, with a similarly fresh and crisp finish. It is the perfect suggestion to serve as an aperitif or to accompany fish dishes, seafood, sushi, or desserts.
Considered one of the most iconic brands of José Maria da Fonseca, and produced since the 1970s, João Pires is one of the first white wines made exclusively with Moscatel de Setúbal, a grape variety that gives it a unique perfume and freshness. A wine that can be found in the usual supermarkets and also at the José Maria da Fonseca Wine Tourism, in Azeitão.