Graham’s Unveils Quinta do Tua Vinhas Velhas Porto Vintage 2022
08/08/2024Symington Family Estates is thrilled to announce the exclusive release of Graham’s Quinta do Tua Vinhas Velhas Porto Vintage 2022, a debut vintage produced in extremely limited quantities. Nestled among the Douro Valley’s esteemed vineyards, Quinta do Tua stands as one of Graham’s four prized estates, renowned for its exceptional and consistent quality wines that significantly contribute to the brand’s Vintage Ports. Perched atop schistose slopes dating back to the late 18th century, the estate’s old vines, a blend of indigenous grape varieties, have yielded remarkable wines distinguished by their concentration and freshness.
The Symington family was captivated by the intensity and complexity showcased by the wines produced from Quinta do Tua’s old vines during the 2022 harvest, prompting the decision to craft Graham’s Quinta do Tua Vinhas Velhas Porto Vintage for the first time. This maiden release, exclusively sourced from the estate’s blend of over 50-year-old vines, unveils an array of captivating sensory layers.
With a mere 6,660 bottles produced, Graham’s Quinta do Tua Vinhas Velhas Porto Vintage 2022 represents a mere eight percent of Quinta do Tua’s total output for the year. A very limited quantity of this exclusive production will initially be available solely through the Matriarca – Clube de Enófilos (Symington’s wine club) and Graham’s visitor center in Vila Nova de Gaia.
This exciting announcement follows the release of three other Vintage Ports this year: Capela da Quinta do Vesúvio Porto Vintage 2022 – only the fifth bottling of this remarkable micro-terroir wine – Quinta do Vesúvio Porto Vintage 2022, and Dow’s Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Porto Vintage 2022.
Modern since 1850: Periquita revamps its image and launches a new campaign
06/08/2024Periquita, the oldest wine brand in Portugal, launched in 1850, has just renewed its image and launched a new multimedia campaign. Under the motto “Modern since 1850,” the rebranding and the new campaign aim to honor the brand’s 174 years of history and reinforce the identity and positioning of Periquita wines – which stand out for being unique, authentic, and traditional – while also honoring their origin and the land they come from.
In the year José Maria da Fonseca celebrates 190 years, and also in celebration of Periquita’s 174 years of history, the Azeitão producer surprises with a rebranding of the brand. The new image recalls and is inspired by the first editions of this brand, highlighting the coat of arms, colors, and materials that reinforce the superior positioning of the Periquita range and ennoble the craftsmanship of José Maria da Fonseca.
Regarding the visual elements of this rebranding, signed by Omdesign, the arch appears more pronounced, incorporated into the lettering, giving the brand an engaging, welcoming presence that is closer to its consumer. The Order of the Tower and Sword coat of arms symbolizes the distinction awarded by King D. Pedro V to José Maria da Fonseca in 1856, for Valor, Loyalty, and Merit within the Portuguese industry. This coat of arms is a crucial element of the José Maria da Fonseca brand and was present on the oldest Periquita bottles. In the logo, the origin and foundation also gain more visibility, honoring all those who, over the years, have cared for, produced, and dedicated themselves daily to bringing unique nectars to life, taking and elevating the brand to new heights, both domestically and internationally.
For António Maria Soares Franco, Co-CEO of José Maria da Fonseca, “the Periquita brand is, without a doubt, the backbone of José Maria da Fonseca’s portfolio. It is a brand that has managed to adapt over the years with a continuous presence, both in Portugal and worldwide. We sell to more than 70 markets, such as Brazil, Sweden, the United States, Canada, and all of Europe, making Periquita one of the most exported Portuguese wines. With this, we wanted to develop a campaign that conveyed its history, legacy, and, above all, reflected Periquita’s ability to modernize and evolve from its first day.”
For Diogo Gama Rocha, founder and general director of Omdesign, “this rebranding was a deep and meticulous job of detailed analysis of what has been and is the identity of the Periquita brand, from its creation to the present day, in all the markets where it is present. We maintained and strengthened the strong connection that the brand and its iconic products have with their consumers, which spans generations, cultures, and continents, as it is the oldest Portuguese bottled wine brand. Thus, we made the brand more contemporary and even closer to its audience. It is, for me and for the entire Omdesign team, a responsibility and, at the same time, a great source of pride.”
With a portfolio of nine references, the new Periquita image arrives on the market simultaneously with the latest harvests of Periquita Branco and Rosé 2023, Periquita Reserva Branco 2023, and Periquita Reserva tinto 2022. Accompanying the new image is a campaign that reflects the historical baggage of this brand that has accompanied generations over time. With the aim of promoting the modernization and evolution of the brand, this campaign, developed in collaboration with the Adagietto agency, illustrates historical elements coexisting in harmony with modernity. The campaign’s storytelling is based on the idea that “if we take a journey through time, it’s likely we’ll find a Periquita journey.” It represents 174 years of history of a wine that has witnessed the great changes in the world we know, that has been on the tables of both kings and common folk. It has witnessed dictatorships and revolutions.
It is a brand with a high capacity for adaptation and modernization, constantly transforming to adapt to new tastes, different markets, and competent competition. It is a wine ahead of its time, the first bottled table wine in Portugal that has the ability to remain modern since its first day.
Visually, the campaign presents an aesthetic from 1850, with a more vintage image from other times, contrasted with some modern elements, creating a visual twist in the campaign.
Wine Tourism during Summer Holidays at João Portugal Ramos Winery
05/08/2024Summer holidays are synonymous with family time, long sunny days, and kids to entertain. João Portugal Ramos’ Vila Santa Winery offers a variety of programs in Estremoz, Alentejo, where you can find leisure suggestions for everyone. From visiting the vineyards and winery to a picnic in the vineyard, there’s something for everyone. The picnic includes a basket with sheep’s cheese, sausages, and Alentejo bread, codfish with chickpeas, partridge empanadas, a selection of pâtés (coriander, olive, and blood sausage). For dessert, “Areias à Vila Santa” or chocolate cake. All this is accompanied by Pouca Roupa white wine and Marquês de Borba Colheita Red. The program costs €45 per person.
To entertain the children, the perfect program is “In Search of the Secret Bottle” (€50/person). A game designed for a minimum group of six people, where participants have only one hour to discover the secret bottle inside the winery. It’s a puzzle full of surprises, clues, and imagination, to try to discover the mysterious bottle. In addition to visiting the cellars, a tasting of two wines is included, accompanied by Alentejo bread, sheep’s cheese, and Oliveira Ramos olive oil.
In addition to these two programs, there is a plethora of other experiences available, ranging from wine tastings starting at €20 (with a tasting of 4 wines, Alentejo bread, sheep’s cheese, and olive oil tasting), to varied lunches (starting at €65 per person), always accompanied by João Portugal Ramos wines, or some delicious tapas (€45 per person) very well garnished (Tibornas with oregano and extra virgin olive oil, grilled sheep’s cheese with oregano, Alentejo sausages, codfish with chickpeas, selection of pâtés and Alentejo bread, Chocolate Sin for dessert, coffee or tea). A perfect match with Marquês de Borba white wine and Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas white and red.
In September, the highlight is the harvest program (€80 per person). In addition to participating in the harvest process, with manual harvesting and foot treading of grapes in the winery’s marble lagares, participants can enjoy a harvest lunch, punctuated by traditional tibornas with extra virgin olive oil, regional cheeses, harvest salad (with grapes, sundried tomatoes, and cheese), and dark duck rice ‘Vila Santa’ with zucchini carpaccio, as well as dessert. All good reasons to come for a few days in the Alentejo and taste good wines from the João Portugal Ramos group, while doing a different and appealing program with the family.
Reservations: Adega Vila Santa, Estrada Nacional 4, 7100-149 Estremoz. Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Prior booking (48 hours in advance): 91 669 38 33 or +351 268 339 919
Wine XP Platform Suggests Grape Harvesting and Olive Picking Programs
05/08/2024As summer fades into autumn, Portugal bursts with the vibrant energy of grape harvest season! This time of year, which runs from late August to November, depending on the region of Portugal, is marked by intense activity and much-loved traditions throughout the country. Grape harvest season is the beginning of grape picking. Vineyards buzz with activity as workers handpick the grapes that will be transformed into the country’s famous wines. This process is simultaneously a serious activity and a joyous tradition, often ending with communal meals and tastings of local wines (which you can experience!). Depending on the winery, the process can be very manual and still quite traditional, or larger wineries now have a more mechanized process due to the large quantities that need to be harvested and the fact that the winemaking process needs to start quickly. Olive picking is another fundamental aspect of harvest season in Portugal. Families and communities also come together to pick olives, which are then transformed into high-quality olive oil. This process not only supports Portugal’s strong olive oil industry but also strengthens community ties through shared work and celebration! Harvest season is also marked by the gathering of various fruits and vegetables. Markets are overflowing with fresh produce such as peaches, chestnuts, figs, and pumpkins, each playing an important role in traditional Portuguese dishes. In general, harvest season in Portugal is a period of intense activity and collective effort, celebrating the country’s agricultural heritage and the fruits of a year’s labor! These and other activities are available on the WineXP platform, and wine tourists can book directly at: https://www.winexp.pt/pt/experiencias
New Abanico Harvest to Savor This Summer
02/08/2024Recently launched on the market, the Abanico Reserva white 2022 owes its name to the origin of the fan as a concept, as an object to expel heat, and is one of the references suggested by Casa da Passarella for the peak of summer. This producer, whose wines are born at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, in Dão, and are crafted by the mastery of winemaker Paulo Nunes, offers a fresh and elegant profile at a price of around €10 (recommended retail price), making it ideal for the sunny days that characterize the summer season.
The blend of native grapes, Bical, Cerceal, Barcelo, and Terrantez, among others, all from poor, granitic soils, underwent 12 months of aging in oak vats. Citrus aromas with notes of white fruits mark the nose and combine with a full-bodied and elegant profile. Finishing with a long finish, it is ready to be consumed this summer but also has great aging potential.
The suggestion is part of the ‘Histórias da Passarella’ range, a collection that houses references based on stories, sometimes tales, associated with the identity of the property. The Abanico Reserva white 2022 is also a testament to the DNA of Casa da Passarella, whose wines result from classic methods and the recovery of recognized noble varieties with a significant expression in the estate’s century-old vineyards.
Quinta Vale D. Maria launches Vale D. Maria Signature
31/07/2024This is the result of a careful selection of red grapes from Quinta Vale do Sabor in Torre de Moncorvo, an unparalleled combination of fruit, delicacy, and acidity, complementing the brand’s portfolio.
Aveleda acquired Quinta Vale do Sabor in search of unique and singular wines to complement the quality and elegance intrinsic to Quinta Vale D. Maria wines, thus giving rise to the range of wines from the Douro Superior. Located in the sub-region of Douro Superior, Quinta Vale do Sabor is situated in one of the most special valleys in the region. This Quinta stands out for the sinuosity of the Sabor river, where the valley is narrower. In this location, various grape varieties are planted, such as Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, with different solar orientations and altitudes ranging from 230 to 320 meters.
In the Douro region, the 2022 harvest was brief and challenging, but despite the lower quantity of grapes produced, the quality achieved was excellent. The low production resulted in remarkably concentrated wines, promising a auspicious year with balanced and elegant wines. For the production of this new reference, we followed the same rigorous process that all Quinta Vale D. Maria wines undergo: carefully selected grapes, destemmed and foot-trodden in granite lagares, fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels, which in this wine occurred for 14 months.
The Vale D. Maria Signature 2022 is a wine of intense color, complex on the nose, with fruity aromas of black fruit and spices. On the palate, it is delicate, with firm and ripe tannins that give it a good structure and combine with its acidity in a long and tasty finish.
The wines from Quinta Vale D. Maria reflect the unique character of the Douro, preserving the identity of the vineyards and respecting the terroir in which they are inserted through sustainable viticulture. The care and emotion with which DOC Douro wines and Port wines, which are part of its portfolio, are created, foster the sharing of memorable experiences.
In partnership with the Sonae Group, the Vale D. Maria Signature Douro red 2022 is already available exclusively in Continente stores and is an ideal wine to pair with grilled meats and dishes.
JNcQUOI Deli Comporta: The Latest Addition to the Amorim Luxury Group
29/07/2024Fun, relaxed, and daring: this is the JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, the latest restaurant from the Amorim Luxury group, which has just opened its doors in Comporta and is sure to be a must-visit this summer.
Striking a perfect balance between the JNcQUOI essence, the most authentic Alentejo flavors, and the best regional products, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta is perfect for visiting at any time of day, gathering family and friends, and creating unforgettable memories.
The menu, created by Chef Jerónimo Ferreira, responsible for the JNcQUOI hub in Comporta, invites guests to savor and celebrate the longest and most carefree days. At JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, the day begins with a healthy and flavorful breakfast, served à la carte between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Throughout the day, in addition to a selection of salads and sandwiches, a menu of snacks and light dishes is available, with special highlights including Cecina “El Capricho” with melon (€24), Prawn carpaccio with potato salad and salmon roe (€35), Carabineiro with a fried egg (€45), or Sheep’s head with Kartoffel salad (€25). As main courses, the Breaded veal chop with Alentejo tomato sauce and Stracciatella (€42), the Black cuttlefish Pil-Pil (€38), the Tiger prawn with JNcQUOI rice (€45), and the Black pork cheeks with truffle mashed potatoes (€37) promise to be the stars of a menu that is full of unusual combinations that surprise.
Some of the most iconic JNcQUOI dishes could not be missing, such as the JNcQUOI Salad (€39), the JNcQUOI Hamburger (€23), or the Steak with Morilles à La Crème (€42). To finish the meal, Chef Jerónimo Ferreira suggests the Chocolate mousse with mascarpone and amaretto (€12) or the Dark chocolate and carob tart (€11), among other specialties.
With different spaces, perfect for various times of day, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta has two outdoor areas, the terrace and the covered terrace, and a main room with a capacity of 43 people. A highlight is one of the most emblematic areas of the restaurant, the Counter Deli, which provides a more relaxed meal at the counter, which at night turns into a must-visit spot in Comporta: in addition to the vintage Marshall Jukebox, a kind of hostess of this space, the Counter Deli will have DJ performances daily. It will be open from Sunday to Thursday, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 AM, and from Friday to Saturday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 AM.
Immersed in the spirit and energy so characteristic of the region, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta stands out for its irreverence, if only because it is a project by Jean-Philippe Demeyer, an eccentric Belgian interior designer listed among the top 100 architects by Architectural Digest. Portugal was the main source of inspiration for this new project that surprises in every detail, meticulously thought out, where vibrant and contrasting colors stand out.
The Viúva Lamego tiles, carefully selected and applied to the floor of JNcQUOI Deli Comporta, are the gateway to a journey that pays homage to the best of what is made in Portugal: the curtains were made by the Association ‘A Avó Veio Trabalhar’, the vases were hand-painted by the artist Susa Monteiro, from Beja, and Olaria Pirraça, located in Redondo, was responsible for the handmade production of regional Alentejo crockery used in the restaurant. Also noteworthy is the ceiling, made and hand-painted in plaster, with the aim of imitating the thatch ceilings so characteristic of this area.
JNcQUOI Deli Comporta thus marks a new stage in the history of Amorim Luxury by reinforcing the group’s concept – Food Meets Fashion Meets Hospitality – in this part of the country. Located next to the Fashion Clinic Comporta, JNcQUOI Deli Comporta will have, on the top floor, two exclusive suites, providing a complete lifestyle experience.
José Maria da Fonseca Receives TripAdvisor Distinction for the 10th Consecutive Year
26/07/2024In the year of its 190th anniversary, the Azeitão producer receives two distinctions: the wine tourism of the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum, in Azeitão, and the José de Sousa Winery, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, are among the preferences of users of the traveler platform.
The Travelers’ Choice Awards, awarded by TripAdvisor, have distinguished the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum for the 10th consecutive year. The Portuguese producer’s wine tourism boasts over three hundred reviews and has obtained an average of 4.5 stars out of 5, being considered the top attraction in Azeitão by users of this reference platform. In the year of its 190th anniversary, the José Maria da Fonseca brand sees its José de Sousa Winery, located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, also distinguished by TripAdvisor, with an equally high score of 4.5 stars. This award aims to recognize accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that received excellent reviews from travelers over the past year and are among the top 10% of the highest-rated properties on the website.
“We are very happy to receive the TripAdvisor distinction for exactly a decade. This year has a special meaning – in addition to the House Museum, we have received, for the second time, the distinction for the José de Sousa Winery, precisely in the year we celebrate 190 years. A recognition that reflects our effort and commitment to reinvent ourselves with almost two centuries. Also in wine tourism, the daily work and dedication of our team are valued by our visitors, who give us excellent reviews. Year after year, we have created a differentiated offer, in order to provide unique and authentic experiences for those who visit us,” says Sofia Soares Franco, responsible for Wine Tourism at José Maria da Fonseca.
The José Maria da Fonseca House Museum and, now, the José de Sousa Winery, thus join an exclusive group of tourist attractions on the platform, highlighting the quality of service and the differentiated offer of the establishments. The dynamics of the offers, the attentive and personalized service, and the entire environment of the space are some of the characteristics most recognized by visitors.
Built in the 19th century and restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum has a wonderful façade and garden. Throughout the guided tour, adults and children have the opportunity to learn about the history of the José Maria da Fonseca company, followed by a visit to the three historic wineries – Adega da Mata, Adega dos Teares Novos, and Adega dos Teares Velhos.
The José de Sousa Winery offers guided tours for adults and children, which include some games and drawings for the youngest, and encompasses two wineries that work with two very different styles, combining tradition with innovation. In the Adega dos Potes, the ancestral and ancient fermentation method is present in the production of wines, while in the Modern Winery, the technology implemented in production is essential to achieve excellence, and this ambivalence is highly appreciated.
4th Edition of the White Night at the Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito Cooperative Winery
25/07/2024The Vidigueira, Cuba, and Alvito Cooperative Winery will be hosting the 4th edition of its White Night on August 3rd. This annual event promises to be the longest and most lively night of the year at the Vidigueira Winery, with a program packed with new features and attractions for all tastes.
At the event, the winery will highlight the native Antão Vaz grape variety, of which it is proud to be one of the largest producers. This grape will be present in all white wines served throughout the event. The event will take place in the outdoor space of the Vidigueira Winery, from 9 pm to 4 am, with a capacity of around 1,000 people.
This edition brings several new features, including an extended schedule and a reinforced lineup with the presence of 3 DJs (DJ Roderick Bada, DJ Mark Guedes, and DJ Nuno Machado) and the band Troupe Brazil. In addition to musical performances, other surprises are planned to entertain attendees throughout the night. Participants can enjoy various activities such as face painting, a games area, a Food Zone offering a variety of delicacies, from sweet to savory, and other surprises yet to be revealed. One of the big novelties this year is the exclusive VIP VDG Zone, limited to 25 places. Sponsored by the new VDG wine range, launched in March, this area offers an open bar of wines and derivatives, terrace service with seating, a table of traditional snacks, a VDG surprise pack, and a privileged view of the stage. Access to the VIP Zone costs €50, while general wristbands cost €10.
The only requirement is to dress in white and bring a good mood. Wristbands can be purchased at the online store at www.adegavidigueira.pt, at the Vidigueira and Castro Verde winery stores, and through promoters. The White Night has the support of the following sponsors: Vinisol, Caves d’Alagoa, Benecar, Destilaria Ferreira Gomes, Eikon, LPR, António Almeida Cortiças, ABS97, Wine Crush, and GIFTs4Wine.
It should be noted that the Vidigueira Winery currently has around 300 members, maintaining an area of 1,400 hectares of vineyards. In 2023, sales and services rendered amounted to €9.5 million, corresponding to an increase of 13.17% compared to 2022. The Enotourism Unit recorded an increase of 10.33% compared to 2022, which is “very positive and demonstrates the growth potential of our Enotourism, in a context of a 14% increase in visitors, and where significant increases are expected in the coming years, in search of the ‘Vinho de Talha’ Tourist Product, in which the winery is a leader,” according to José Miguel Almeida, President of the winery, who also highlights “the women and men who, over the decades, have allowed this work to be built and consolidated, always with an eye on the future.” The winery also stands out as the largest employer in the region. For many winery employees and residents of Vidigueira, the Cooperative represents a life that goes beyond the 3rd generation.