Dalva Unveils New Vintage of Premium White Wine Metamorfose
28/08/2024Seven years after the launch of the Dalva Metamorfose 2014, Dalva continues its premium wine range with the arrival of Metamorfose Douro Branco 2019. Metamorfose means change, transformation in the development process, a phenomenon that requires time and patience. This is what we witness in both the butterfly, the human being, and also in wine. This second Dalva Metamorfose is an example of this.
Signed by winemaker José Manuel Sousa Soares, it is a wine made with traditional white grapes from the Douro Demarcated Region, coming from a century-old vineyard located in Sabrosa, subsequently enriched by fermentation and eight months of aging in used 300-liter Hungarian oak barrels. The Dalva Metamorfose Douro Branco 2019 stands out for its delicate and fresh aroma and flavor. On the nose, the presence of citrus fruits, with some stone fruit, and a touch of white flowers stands out. On the palate, it reveals expressive acidity and minerality, providing an enveloping taste with a long finish. Ideal to accompany medium-intensity cheeses, as well as seafood, fatty fish or white meats.
With only 1600 bottles available and a retail price of €35, the Dalva Metamorfose Douro Branco 2019 will be available in the main wine shops in the country, restaurants, online store www.granvinhos.pt, and at the GranVinhos group’s wine tourism locations.
Arvad Invites You to the Negra Mole Grape Harvest
26/08/2024Arvad, one of the Algarve’s most iconic wine producers, invites wine tourists to participate in the manual harvest of the Negra Mole grape, the region’s most emblematic variety.
On the 6th of September, wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to actively participate in the harvest of this native variety, in an intimate experience on the banks of the Arade River. After the harvest, participants can taste the different wines produced with the Negra Mole grape, including a new sparkling wine aged in clay amphorae, accompanied by a selection of regional snacks.
As a souvenir of this experience, each participant will receive a bottle of Arvad Negra Mole wine, with a personalized label. The bottle, which will be bottled in 2025, will be the result of the harvest to which the participant contributed. “We want our customers to experience the passion for the vineyard and the care we dedicate to our wines,” says Mafalda Garcia de Matos, CEO of Arvad. “Negra Mole is the soul of our brand and we want to share this special moment with everyone who appreciates a good wine.”
The Negra Mole grape, unique in the world, is one of the oldest in Portugal and the only 100% native Algarvian variety. The producer Arvad, through its line of Negra Mole wines, has been enhancing this grape and positioning it as a reference in the national wine scene. The handmade label, with the handwritten inscription ‘Negra Mole’, has become an icon of the brand and represents the authenticity and quality of the wines produced. For more information and reservations: https://arvad.pt/visite-nos
JMF Launches New Cork Recycling Campaign
22/08/2024For the third consecutive year, José Maria da Fonseca Distribuição, together with other producers, is promoting a cork recycling campaign that, over the past two years, has resulted in the planting of over 9,500 trees.
The ‘Wines that go well with the environment’ campaign, promoted by José Maria da Fonseca Distribuição and its partners – producers José Maria da Fonseca, Ravasqueira, Lima & Smith, and Quinta da Lagoalva – is in effect until October 31st in participating retail outlets. A project focused on sustainability and aimed at reforesting the national territory. The success achieved in the last two years resulted in the collection of 95,266 corks and the planting of 9,526 native trees.
This campaign is available in various retail outlets – supermarkets and hypermarkets – which provide mini-corks for customers to take home and collect used cork stoppers, which can then be returned to participating stores, namely in the deposit next to the brand’s space. “After the success of the last two years, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to invest in this campaign again, together with our partners. José Maria da Fonseca has a very strong commitment to sustainability and we want to continue to call for the need to recycle cork stoppers and for the recovery of our forests,” says António Maria Soares Franco, Co-CEO of José Maria da Fonseca.
As in previous editions, the delivery of corks is unlimited and can be done several times until the end of the campaign. For every 10 cork stoppers collected, 1 tree will be planted. “With this year’s campaign, we aim to reach a total of 100,000 trees planted and we count on Portuguese consumers for this mission,” emphasizes the CEO of the wine producer.
Associated with Green Cork, a project coordinated by Quercus for the collection of cork stoppers for recycling in partnership with Amorim, this campaign lives in supermarkets but also outside them. Since last year, José Maria da Fonseca has had cork collection points at its facilities, as well as at its wine tourism spaces – Casa-Museu José Maria da Fonseca and Adega José de Sousa – and at the Wine Corner restaurant, so that customers and visitors can participate in this initiative.
This campaign is part of José Maria da Fonseca’s sustainable policies and practices, which has been concerned with the environment for several decades. The Azeitão producer was the first company in Portugal to obtain the Fair’N Green sustainability certification and, in 2023, completed the installation of a photovoltaic solar system for self-consumption at Quinta da Bassaqueira, in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, which allows for a 38% energy saving.
You can consult the supermarkets participating in the campaign here:
Auchan Amadora
El Corte Inglés Beloura
Pingo Doce Belavista
Intermarché Leiria
Intermarché Lourinhã
E. Leclerc Cascais
Auchan Setúbal
Continente Bom Dia Azeitão
E.leclerc Montijo
Intermarché Aljezur
Modelo Albufeira
Modelo Setúbal
Intermarché Carvalhos
E.leclerc Lordelo
Continente Antas
Continente Maia Jardim
Continente Braga
E.leclerc Braga
Harvest and Art at Quinta da Aveleda
20/08/2024Quinta da Aveleda announces a new experience in the Vinho Verde region: the VINDIM’ART program, which will take place on August 31st, September 1st, 7th, and 8th. Featuring live music, open-air cinema, and workshops, visitors are invited to participate in an experience where grape harvesting becomes a creative expression. This event celebrates wine production, the connection between people, the land, and artistic expression.
Available programs:
- VINDIM’ART Program (3:30 PM – 11:00 PM / €99): Welcome at the Welcome Center, Mini Wine Course (August 31st and September 8th) | Prove que sabes (September 1st and 7th), Visit to the Romantic Gardens and Old Winery, Harvest Snack and Horizontal Alvarinho Tasting, Grape Harvesting Activity, Traditional Snack Dinner and Sopa das Vindimas, Cultural and Recreational Activity
- VINDIM’ Program (3:30 PM – 7:30 PM / €60): Welcome at the Welcome Center, Mini Wine Course (August 31st and September 8th) | Prove que sabes (September 1st and 7th), Visit to the Romantic Gardens and Old Winery, Harvest Snack and Horizontal Alvarinho Tasting, Grape Harvesting Activity
- ART Program (8:30 PM – 11:00 PM / €18): Welcome at the Welcome Center, Visit to the Romantic Gardens and Old Winery, Cultural and Recreational Activity
Cultural and Recreational Activities:
- August 31st: Cinema in the Vineyard – Film to be defined.
- September 1st: Wine Painting Workshop.
- September 7th: MARAUS Live Hat Making Workshop.
- September 8th: [Artistic activity to be defined]
It’s worth noting that Quinta da Aveleda is a space of excellence in the Vinho Verde region, combining a passion for winemaking with the natural beauty of its romantic gardens and the historical richness of the Old Winery. To book the activity at Quinta da Aveleda, please contact the Enotourism team by email: enoturismo@aveleda.pt, by phone: +351 255 718 200, on the website: www.provasbyaveleda.com [URL inválido removido] or through the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/quintadaaveleda/items/554225/calendar/2024/08/?full-items=yes
Unforgettable Harvest at Adega José de Sousa
20/08/2024Adega José de Sousa, nestled in the heart of Reguengos de Monsaraz, invites all wine enthusiasts to participate in a special program dedicated to the art of harvesting. The winery opens its doors for those who wish to experience and participate in this process. For a month, from August 15th to September 15th, in the company of friends and family, it’s possible to harvest grapes and enjoy a lunch paired with José de Sousa wines.
The program can begin in the vineyard, where visitors have the opportunity to cut the bunches or, if the harvest is in an advanced stage, in the winery with a must tasting or foot-treading. Additionally, participants can take part in ongoing activities. This program also includes a visit to the two wineries – the New Winery and the Pot Winery – with a wine tasting and regional product tasting. And for those who wish to end the day with a complete experience, there is the option of enjoying an exclusive lunch, with the typical flavors of Alentejo: gazpacho, chicken pies, cheeses, and sausages, paired with José de Sousa wines.
The program is available subject to availability and prior booking. You can make your reservation in advance by emailing [endereço de email removido] or by calling +351 918 269 569.
Loaded with prestige and history, Adega José de Sousa, dating back to 1878, is a unique winery that encompasses two wineries that work in very different styles. In the Pot Winery, the ancestral and ancient fermentation method is present in the production of wines, while in the Modern Winery, the technology implemented in production is indispensable to achieve excellence, and this ambivalence is highly appreciated.
Tapada de Coelheiros: A Summer of White
19/08/2024This summer, Tapada de Coelheiros presents its suggestions for white wines – Coelheiros Branco 2023, Tapada de Coelheiros Branco 2022, and Alto 2018 – three unique and distinct wines, ideal for the hot and long days of this season, living up to the legacy of the terroir where they are found – the Alentejo.
Coelheiros Branco 2023 is a wine from the Vinhas do Monte and do Alto, dominated by white grapes, particularly Arinto, which is the base of this wine. This white wine is characterized by citrus notes, such as lime and grapefruit, enveloped in notes of stone fruit typical of the Antão Vaz grape, which adds complexity to this wine. This wine balances freshness, vibrant fruit, and complexity, ideal to accompany seafood or serve as a summer aperitif.
Tapada de Coelheiros Branco 2022, a fine example of its vintage, is a blend of Arinto (50%) and Roupeiro (50%) grapes. A wine that translates the vibrant expression of Tapada de Coelheiros’ commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. This white wine stands out for its expressive citrus notes, with a focus on grapefruit and very fine notes of wood. On the palate, it maintains the citrus profile, with unctuousness, body, and vigor. Perfect to accompany baked fish dishes, seafood, or fresh salads, making it an excellent companion for hot days.
Tapada de Coelheiros Alto 2018 is a white wine that stands out for its vibrancy on the palate, driven by the characteristic acidity of Arinto, possessing a silky texture and an elegant body. Pale yellow color with golden hues, with aromas of ripe fruit, almonds, and notes of vanilla. On the palate, it is rich and structured, with a balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish. It is ideal to pair with more elaborate dishes, such as risotto, white meats, and cured cheeses, for a summer dinner with friends and family. “These three white wines, with their particular and unique characteristics, reinforce Tapada de Coelheiros’ path in producing irreverent wines that do justice to the diversity of the terroir where they are found – a fresh, vibrant, and elegant Alentejo,” says Luís Patrão, the project’s winemaker.
Located in Arraiolos, Alentejo, Tapada de Coelheiros holds the Sustainable Production certification by PSVA (Alentejo Wine Sustainability Program), an achievement that also reflects an integrated vision of sustainable wine production, where concern for the environment and the local community are intrinsically linked to the production of high-quality, fresh, and vibrant wines.
Ideal for this summer, these three references of Tapada de Coelheiros white wines are available for purchase on the website (in the online store) and at the usual points of sale.
Algarve Harvest with Villa Alvor
16/08/2024Portimão, Portugal – On August 23rd, the Algarve will reach its peak with a unique and unforgettable event. Villa Alvor, the Aveleda Group’s estate located in Portimão, invites all wine and nature lovers to participate in a day filled with adventure, tradition, and unparalleled flavors.
The event kicks off at 10:00 AM with an exciting Jeep Tour through the estate’s vineyards. Participants will be guided through beautiful landscapes, learning about the history and secrets of cultivating the grapes that produce Villa Alvor wines. After this initial discovery, participants will be invited to engage in the centuries-old tradition of grape harvesting. This activity is an opportunity to experience the authentic culture of grape picking, uniting generations in a moment of celebration and teamwork.
To refuel, there will be a harvest lunch accompanied by a tasting of Villa Alvor wines. The experience will be enriched by the ‘Guess the Wine’ activity, where wine knowledge will be tested and deepened, followed by a wine-paired lunch with a selection of Villa Alvor wines.
To conclude this day, the event offers a Wine Sunset. With the Algarve sunset over the vineyards as a backdrop, participants can relax to the sound of a DJ, toasting to the end of a perfect day. To book the activity at Villa Alvor, contact the Enotourism team by email: enoturismo@villaalvor.pt, by phone: +351 282 476 866, or on the website: www.provasbyaveleda.com
LAGOSTA returns to its roots and produces the first single varietal Origens
15/08/2024Enoport Wines, the owner of the Lagosta Vinho Verde DOC brand, launches the first reference of the new collection of single varietal Vinho Verde, Origens. Starting with the Loureiro grape, one of the most appreciated in the region, the release of this Lagosta Origens Loureiro DOC Vinho Verde reinforces the brand’s desire to explore the best varieties of this terroir and, in a return to its origins.
The Lagosta Origens Loureiro is the first in a series of single varietal releases aimed at meeting consumer desires and maximizing the personality of each grape variety from this region. “With the Lagosta Origens Loureiro DOC Vinho Verde, we want the peculiar characteristics of this grape variety to be highlighted in the wine, making it gastronomic, complex, and with high aging potential,” says Nuno Faria, the winemaker responsible for creating the new reference.
The tasting notes of Lagosta Origens Loureiro demonstrate an elegant aroma with floral nuances. With a fresh and full-bodied flavor with notes of spices, it has excellent acidity with a prolonged finish. In the glass, it presents a bright green citrus color. It is a versatile wine in gastronomy, pairing well with grilled fish, seafood, and white meats. “This release reinforces the positioning of the Lagosta DOC brand. We want to bring complexity to the market and generate interest in Vinho Verde from more people,” explains Nuno Santos, CEO of Enoport Wines, the producing company and owner of the Lagosta DOC brand. The brand, which celebrated its 120th registration anniversary last year, proves with this new release that it can combine youthfulness and expertise, demonstrating once again its longevity.
It should be noted that Lagosta is part of Enoport Wines’ portfolio. It is the oldest Portuguese Vinho Verde brand, registered since 1902, exclusively producing DOC Vinho Verde. It reinvented itself in 2018 by launching the Lagosta ICE edition, white and rosé, reinforcing its position among Vinho Verde enthusiasts, seducing with the excellent balance between acidity and sweetness, allowing the freedom to create cocktails with these references. Now it launches Lagosta Origens Loureiro to seduce true lovers of single varietal Vinho Verde.
With consistent double-digit growth per year, the brand is present not only in Portugal but also in major international markets such as Europe, Brazil, and the United States. In 2023, more than one million bottles were sold, with the goal for this year to exceed one million six hundred thousand.
Sunset Wine Tasting at Quinta Vale do Sabor”
13/08/2024Following the success of the first two editions at Quinta do Vale do Sabor, the Sunset Wine Tasting will take place again on August 16th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in Torre de Moncorvo, on the National Road 325 (Panoramic Route). Admission is free. Space is limited, so it is necessary to confirm your attendance.
Once again, the event will feature a DJ, bringing a lively and relaxed atmosphere to complete the experience. It will be a magical late afternoon, filled with fine wines and a stunning landscape. Accept this invitation from the producer and toast to summer at this Sunset Wine Tasting. Reserve your spot at: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/quintavaledosabor/items/485409/?full-items=yes&flow=904315
Rose Pom-Pom is one of the Great Rosé Wines of the World 2024
12/08/2024In the top 50 best rosé wines in the world for 2024 by ‘Wine Pleasures’ is the Rose Pom-Pom 2023 from Casa Relvas, a rosé wine resulting from years of viticultural work, various vineyard and winery experiments, and a strong desire from the Casa Relvas team to produce a top-tier rosé that conveys the terroir where these grapes grow through its aromas and flavors.
The results of the 2024 edition of the ‘50 Great Rosé Wines of the World’ competition demonstrate a constant evolution in rosé wines. This year’s judging panel conducted a blind tasting of wines from various countries—Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, Serbia, among many others—focusing primarily on quality, as price was not a selection criterion. The range of colors among the winning wines was also very interesting. From the lightest onion skin to vibrant salmon pink, the rosés in the competition reflect the uniqueness of the grape varieties and the winemaking processes used in their production.
The “50 Great Rosé Wines of the World” awards reinforce that rosé is increasingly not just a summer drink but a serious category with much to offer all palates. This year’s results celebrate not only the quality of the wines but also the diversity of styles, regions, and grape varieties.
Produced at the foot of Serra do Mendro, in Vidigueira, on clay-limestone soils, this wine is the result of years of viticultural work, various vineyard and winery experiments, culminating in the result that the Alentejo producer now presents. The new rosé, which aged 10% for four months in French oak barrels, was made from the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah grape varieties.
With a light pink color with salmon hues, Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom has fresh aromas of red fruits and citrus, and on the palate, it is intense, engaging, and fresh, with considerable creaminess and minerality. With the warm weather approaching, it is recommended to accompany it with grilled fish, seafood, sushi, and salads, and above all, with good company!