The Golden Dinner: Wine tourism booming in Vidigueira
26/06/2024Following the 11th Alentejo Best Wines Competition, organized by the Confraria dos Enófilos do Alentejo in close collaboration with the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana, Vidigueira once again established itself as a Territory of Excellence in terms of wine. Six Gold Medals were awarded to wines from the Vidigueira winery, representing 30% of all Gold Medals in the competition. It is also worth noting that the VILA DE FRADES 1656 Talha Wine was the first and only Talha Wine to be awarded a medal at the competition.
In this context, the idea arose to organize a wine dinner entitled “The Golden Dinner”, in which the Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba e Altivo, Herdade Grande, Pousio HMR, Morais Rocha Wines and Quinta do Quetzal will gather at the table for an evening dedicated to the best of the region, allowing participants to taste all the excellent award-winning wines in a single meal, accompanied by excellent cuisine.
The dinner will take place at Casa das Talhas – wine tourism of the Adega de Vidigueira, on July 5th, Friday, at 7:30 pm and costs €60. Chef João Mourato (Quinta do Quetzal) has accepted the challenge of pairing the award-winning wines with the various delicacies and has created a menu with 7 moments, which I share in the attachment.
More details: https://www.facebook.com/help/192946630752330
Reservations: https://adegavidigueira.pt/
Krohn Colheita 2006: the Best Portuguese Wine at the London Wine Competition
19/06/2024Awarded with a Gold Medal and 95 points, Krohn Colheita 2006 was named the best Portuguese wine (best in show) at the 2024 edition of the prestigious London Wine Competition, whose results have recently been announced. A multifaceted jury, including several Masters of Wine, evaluated the wine, highlighting its intrinsic quality as well as its image and price-quality ratio.
In the tasting note, the judges emphasized its “dark ruby appearance with notes of hazelnut, dark cherry, and honey on the nose. Aromas of nuts, coffee, and caramel with moderate complexity and length,” resulting in a final score of 95 points, the highest awarded to a Portuguese wine in the London Wine Competition.
Unlike other competitions, this competition not only analyzes the organoleptic characteristics of the wine but also scores its market value and brand image, certifying, before consumers, the excellence of the product and the accompanying mix, including price and promotional strategies. “It has been a pleasure to work with Krohn and its immense heritage of high-quality vintages. For any winemaker, it is an honor to be part of the history of a brand, about to celebrate 160 years, and with the resources that are the most difficult to guarantee: time and terroir. Undoubtedly, we are dealing with some of the most unique Ports in the world, and our mission is to share this heritage every day. Awards and medals in competitions help to progress on the path outlined and to be closer to consumers, being an opportunity to affirm the long history and excellence of this brand,” says David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker of WineStone, the group to which Krohn belongs.
Mafalda Bahia Machado, winemaker at WineStone in the Douro region, including Quinta do Retiro Novo, where the old vines grow that result in Krohn’s superb vintages, adds that “the quality of the brand’s Port Wines has been recognized over time by consumers, and it is our goal to raise the bar, creating objects of desire, with an image of excellence that everyone, especially the most demanding, recognizes.”
In the same competition, two other Krohn Port wines were also highlighted. Krohn Vintage Quinta do Retiro Novo 2011 received 90 points, also obtaining a Gold Medal from the competition’s jury. The Krohn 10-Year Tawny was also praised by the jury, scoring 89 points, which corresponds to a Silver Medal in the competition.
The London Wine Competition was the first competition to which Krohn Port wines were submitted since its integration into the WineStone Group. Following the creation of the José de Mello Group’s business platform dedicated to the wine sector last year, the Wiese&Krohn brand and Quinta do Retiro Novo, a centuries-old space in the Cima Corgo region that allows for the production of the entire range of special category Port Wines that have marked generation after generation since 1865, were acquired. Krohn has an extensive collection of Colheita and Vintage Port Wines, with its Krohn Colheita 2006 receiving excellent reception from specialized critics and international competitions alike.
Paço de Teixeiró launches three new Vinho Verde wines to refresh your summer
19/06/2024Located in the Baião sub-region, in the Vinho Verde region, recognized as the birthplace of the Avesso grape variety, Paço de Teixeiró launches three new wines on the market, just in time to refresh this summer. In a unique terroir with schist soils, located at the foothills of the Serra do Marão, Paço de Teixeiró, which has been part of the WineStone portfolio since the end of last year, thus offers three new Vinho Verde wines, full of freshness and elegance: Teixeiró Avesso 2023, Teixeiró Alvarinho 2023, and Teixeiró 2023, a blend born from the Avesso, Loureiro, and Alvarinho grape varieties.
It is the queen grape variety of the Baião sub-region that gives rise to Teixeiró Avesso 2023, a single varietal that presents fruity and mineral aromas. Characterized by a fresh aroma that harmonizes with citrus notes and delicate stone fruit nuances, this wine, with a greenish-citrus color, showcases a harmony between acidity and body that makes it engaging and incredibly persistent.
Teixeiró Alvarinho 2023 is also a single varietal, representing the unique expression of this grape variety, which, besides being a symbol of the region, reveals fresh, elegant, and inviting notes. With delicate aromas combining stone fruit notes with a citrus touch of grapefruit and tropical nuances, this wine is characterized by complexity and volume on the palate. Its finish is engaging and fresh.
Finally, Teixeiró 2023 is born from the combination of the Avesso, Loureiro, and Alvarinho grape varieties and stands out for its fresh and fruity aroma, with citrus and floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a light and refreshing taste with a persistent and slightly effervescent finish, providing a unique sensory experience. An excellent companion for the hot days ahead.
These three new offerings come from a careful winemaking process, including de-stemmed grape pressing in a pneumatic press and fermentation in stainless steel vats with temperature control. The aging was done in stainless steel vats with light battonage for 4 months. “These wines represent a renewed commitment from Paço de Teixeiró. Three suggestions that accompany and invite great moments, in this case, especially on hotter days,” highlights David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker at WineStone.
Mafalda Bahia Machado, the winemaker at Paço de Teixeiró, recalls “the pedigree of this house in producing excellent Vinho Verde wines, recognized for the Avesso grape, but offering unique conditions for the production of differentiated Vinho Verde wines that will certainly surprise.”
JNcQUOI ASIA hosts ‘Take Over’ by Michelin-starred Thai Chef Prin Polsuk
19/06/2024From June 19 to 22, JNcQUOI Asia will once again welcome the renowned Thai Chef Prin Polsuk for four days of immersion in some of the dishes that have made him one of the most acclaimed Asian chefs. Famous for reinterpreting traditional Thai recipes using little-known or rarely used oriental ingredients, Chef Prin Polsuk is responsible for the Samrub Samrub Thai restaurant in Bangkok, recognized with 1 Michelin star and ranked 29th in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
After designing the menu for ‘Thai Week’ last year, Chef Prin Polsuk returns to the kitchen at JNcQUOI Asia. This time, the chef brings a new selection of exclusive dishes that include Grilled shrimp with fish sauce and celery seasoning (€25), Grilled chicken skewer with coconut milk and pepper (€15), Razor clam with ash pickle and Thai basil (€31), Fried sea bass stuffed with shrimp paste (€28), and Spicy and sour sea bass soup with lime and coriander (€18) as appetizers.
For main courses, the Thai chef’s menu suggests Grilled monkfish with sweet sauce, fried shallot, and dried chili (€35), Southern crab curry with Vietnamese mint (€48), Southern Muslim curry with beef rib (€30), and Stir-fried lobster with three-flavor sauce and basil (€72). The menu concludes with the proposal of Cassava cake with fresh coconut, coconut cream, and wild pea flower granita (€11) for dessert.
Chef Prin Polsuk’s special menu will be available at JNcQUOI Asia only from June 19 to 22, for lunch and dinner, from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and reservations can be made by phone (21 051 3 000) or by email (book@jncquoiasia.com).
Music, sardines, and Port wine: At Cockburn’s, it’s already smelling like São João
19/06/2024The Invicta city is already counting down to the longest night of the year and, at Cockburn’s Cellars, everything is set for a celebration “Porto style,” with an Argentine twist. On June 23, starting at 7:00 PM, “São João at the Lodge” is back, once again bringing together Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house owned by Symington Family Estates – with Altano and the restaurant Belos Aires. Chef Mauricio Ghiglione is responsible for the evening’s menu, which includes sardines served with gazpacho and cornbread toast, empanadas, spit-roasted pork, and various vegetarian options. As expected, wine will also be a highlight of the evening, with Cockburn’s Port wine available, both in its traditional form and as a cocktail, along with the refreshing Douro DOC Altano red or white wine.
The ticket for the event, costing 35 euros per person, allows guests to choose from different dishes and includes up to three drinks. Located two minutes from the Gaia pier, Cockburn’s Cellars invite the whole family to join the party, with free admission for children up to four years old. Tickets for children aged four to twelve cost 10 euros and include a menu with two meal options as well as unlimited lemonade. Tickets can be purchased on the Eventbrite platform, with a fee applied to the indicated prices. The event entrance is at R. Dona Leonor de Freitas, 225, in Vila Nova de Gaia, with free public parking available nearby.
Quinta da Côrte with new proposals for Wine Tourism
12/06/2024In the heart of the Douro region (in the sub-region of Cima Corgo, just a few kilometers by car from Pinhão), nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage landscape, Quinta da Côrte reopens the Boutique “Rendez-Vous” by Quinta da Côrte. Here, at this meeting point, visitors can discover all the exclusive products of this producer, from Port and Douro wines to organic olive oil. Additionally, it’s a space where you can immerse yourself in an experience, with wine tastings, visits to a room with century-old casks and barrels, and a panoramic terrace where you can enjoy an evening with the sunset over the Douro, while pairing a glass of wine with a selection of local snacks, cheeses, or dried fruits. Simultaneously, picnics return to Quinta da Côrte, in an idyllic setting that invites you to delve into the essence of this property and the local flavors of the region.
In a landscape dominated by the characteristic shale of the Douro demarcated region, the “Rendez-Vous” boutique presents itself as a meeting point for wine enthusiasts and lovers of this historic landscape. The store is the heart of this space, which also includes a tasting room, an old stone mill, and a room with century-old Port wine barrels. Outside, the terrace with its stunning view of the vineyard landscape and the Douro River enchants visitors and invites them to linger at the pace of the region’s serenity, while enjoying the sunset with the Douro River at their feet.
The “Rendez-Vous” boutique by Quinta da Côrte becomes a must-visit for those exploring the Douro, offering wine tastings with various options according to each visitor’s interest and availability. For those wishing to visit the vineyards and winery of Quinta da Côrte, bookings can be made directly at the boutique, with the option of a customizable program.
Picnics are another novelty of this season, an idyllic experience in a selected location for this activity. Visitors can enjoy the vineyard views while relaxing to the comforting sound of nature. Picnics include a traditional basket filled with regional products, ideal for two people or small groups. The basket includes a bottle of wine, either Côrte Douro White or Princesa Reserva Douro Red, a selection of cured meats, ham, and salami, green salad with raisins, goat cheese (requeijão) and vinaigrette, traditional turnovers (small pastries filled with minced meat), fruit skewers, glass bottles of 0.5L water, a bottle of natural juice or Coca-Cola, and sandwiches with caco bread, roast beef, and arugula. There is also the option to select a vegetarian option or accommodate any dietary restrictions, ensuring a personalized and inclusive gastronomic experience for all customers. The picnic suggestion is only available from May to October, at a cost of 50 euros per person. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance (depending on weather conditions), and this experience can be enjoyed between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm every day.
Quinta da Côrte offers exclusive wine tourism, standing out for its customization and personalized hospitality. For those wishing to learn more about this century-old property, other experiences are also offered. From staying in the House with its 8 rooms to visiting the winery, both designed by the architect and interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch, whose details, colors, and traditional Portuguese materials invite guests to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of this place nestled in the heart of the Douro demarcated region.
The proposed activities range from guided tours of the Estate and various tasting options to other sensory experiences, providing a complete immersion in the essence and local flavors. All visitors can take with them not only unforgettable memories of this place but also a bit of the beauty of this century-old vineyard estate.
Pierre Yovanovitch. The property features eight rooms decorated with refined simplicity, echoing its origins through terracotta flooring, whitewashed walls, and softly toned ceilings, creating an atmosphere of refinement and warmth. The Estate offers exclusive wine tourism experiences that prioritize customization and individualized reception of its guests. Visitors can take guided tours and wine tastings, either at the Estate or at the ‘Boutique Rendez-vous’ space located in front of the Valença do Douro Viewpoint, enjoying not only the Douro and Port wines produced on the property but also local delicacies and organic Extra Virgin olive oil produced from the centuries-old olive trees on the same site. Contacts for reservations: Boutique Rendez-vous By Quinta da Côrte btk@quintadacorte.com | Thursday to Monday, from 12:00 pm until sunset (approximately 8:30 pm) | In front of the Viewpoint, 15 minutes from Pinhão station and 30 minutes from Régua station. Stay and visits to Quinta da Côrte enoturismo.reservas@quintadacorte.com | Open every day and in the case of visits at pre-defined times at 11 am and 3 pm.
T. +351 964 536 200
Ravasqueira’s new summer releases
11/06/2024Five years after the last release, Ravasqueira’s single-varietal Alvarinho is once again available, just in time to refresh the warmest months of spring and summer. Produced exclusively from grapes of the national variety especially associated with the Vinho Verde region, this single-varietal wine originates from a very specific plot, vinified with great precision and covering less than one hectare – among the 3,000 that make up the Alentejan property in Arraiolos.
Ravasqueira Alvarinho 2023 (€15) underwent fermentation in stainless steel vats and aging at low temperatures, remaining on the lees with moderate battonage for five months before bottling. As a result, it is a wine with intense and bright greenish-yellow hues, an expressive nose with intense orange blossom, which becomes more pronounced with time in the glass and temperature. On the palate, it strongly highlights its mineral character with citrus notes. A white wine to be enjoyed now during the longer days of 2024, but also with great aging potential.
Also arriving on the market, just in time to refresh lovers of great white wines, is the Vinha das Romãs Blanc de Noirs 2023 (€21), a very special white wine made from the same red grapes that are the basis of the iconic Vinha das Romãs Tinto. A technique called blanc de noirs (white from red grapes) by the French, which allows extracting the essential from the grapes, giving the wine a crisp acidity, its special hallmark, balanced by the fruit – with peach and apricot notes perfectly combining with the very present minerality. A white wine that shows quality and versatility to those who drink it, being eminently gastronomic but also a good aging wine, for half a dozen years.
“The high temperatures recorded last summer and the excellent acidity presented by the Alvarinho grapes allowed us to produce a single-varietal of great quality with exceptional characteristics. Six years after the last edition, we considered that 2023 was a year with optimal conditions for the variety to present itself and surprise. The balance between the fruit and acidity creates a fantastic mouthfeel and an aroma that will captivate those who taste it,” says David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker of WineStone, the group that owns Ravasqueira.
For her part, Ana Filipa Pereira, responsible for winemaking at Ravasqueira, highlights the qualities of the third edition of the Vinha das Romãs Blanc de Noirs: “Vinha das Romãs is already, without a doubt, a great icon of this house, very marked by the plot where its grapes grow, where a pomegranate orchard once stood. Making this white wine from red grapes is always a challenge, a responsibility, and a simply passionate discovery. The final result, so deliciously balanced, makes us believe that it will have the same success as its ‘brother’ red wine.”
The most ‘rebellious’ Port wine club in Invicta is back
11/06/2024The pop-up bar returns, until October, at the concept store LOT (“Labels of Tomorrow”). The opening event is free of charge.
Graham’s and Cockburn’s – two reference Port wine houses of the Symington family – are back at LOT (“Labels of Tomorrow”), a concept store dedicated to fashion and lifestyle to do things differently. Next Saturday, May 18th, marks the opening of the Rebel Port Club, with a “Pool Party” from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Symington family project was born last year and aims to encourage the consumption of Port wine in a more dynamic and informal environment. In a pop-up concept, the bar will be open until October, located in the chapel of the LOT garden.
The Rebel Port Club wants to attract new Port wine consumers, who can taste it at the bar in a more classic way or through a selection of subversive cocktails. The pop-up concept was developed by the younger generation of the Symington family, who have been seeking to capture the attention of new audiences, for whom choosing Port wine is not always obvious. An example of this investment is also the development of a range of disruptive Ports, such as Graham’s Blend Series or Cockburn’s Tails of the Unexpected – especially created for cocktail making.
Distinctive environment complemented with different activities
At the Rebel Port Club, everything is different. Starting with the fact that it is installed in a chapel – which for three months transforms into a bar – the pop-up combines different activities with the tasting of Port wine, thus aiming to provide unique moments. For this reason, and similar to what happened last year, the bar once again presents a “program” with cocktail workshops, drag bingo nights, and DJs.
“We are excited about the reopening of our pop-up Rebel Port Club at LOT this summer,” emphasizes Charlotte Symington from the fifth generation of the family. “We had a lot of fun last year sharing the versatility of Port wine and the different occasions it can be enjoyed, and now we want to continue that success. The Rebel Port Club aims to bring this wine category into the 21st century – without forgetting our heritage: Port wine is at the heart of what we do,” she concludes.
Guilherme Pinto de Oliveira, one of the founding partners of LOT, adds: “At LOT we are constantly looking for disruptive and unique concepts. It is with great satisfaction that we announce the renewal of our partnership, Rebel Port Club, with the Symington family, a renowned brand in wine production. We are confident that this year we will surprise Port wine lovers even more, either through the delicious cocktails we will have available or through a series of special events, starting with our ‘Pool Party’ this Saturday.”
The Rebel Port Club can be visited at Rua José Falcão (Porto), from Wednesday to Friday (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), on Saturdays (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), and on Sundays (12:00 PM to 7:00 PM). The opening event is free of charge.
Summer pairs with wine sunsets at Quinta Vale do Sabor
10/06/2024Now that the hot days are here, there’s nothing better than enjoying late afternoons with wine, snacks, music, and friends. With this in mind, Quinta Vale do Sabor has prepared two wine sunsets, promising unforgettable moments for its visitors in the stunning setting of Douro Superior, with a privileged view over the Douro River.
Douro Superior Wine Sunset: June 15, 2024
On June 15, join Quinta Vale do Sabor for an incredible sunset in Douro Superior. Enjoy a relaxing and invigorating afternoon while savoring the best wines of the region, accompanied by a selection of traditional snacks. To keep the rhythm between wine and snacks, there will also be a live DJ who promises to liven up the atmosphere and create the perfect setting to celebrate life and friendship.
Summer Wine Sunset: August 16, 2024
To continue the celebration during the summer, mark your calendar for our summer wine sunset on August 16. This will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a memorable afternoon with the best wines, snacks, and music at sunset, all in a stunning setting overlooking the Douro vineyards.
To book these experiences, contact the Enotourism team. Reservations can be made through the website www.provasbyaveleda.com, via email at enoturismo@quintavaledonamaria.pt, or by phone at +351 282 476 866.
Duorum, João Portugal Ramos’s project in the Douro Valley, launches two new limited edition wines.
05/06/2024Duorum, the winemaking project of João Portugal Ramos in the Douro region, presents its latest releases: Vinha dos Muros and Touriga Franca.
Vinha dos Muros originates from a small vineyard parcel, as unique and distinctive as the wine it produces. It’s a plot of arinto and gouveio, bordered by ancient Schist walls that are part of the Douro region’s heritage, whose restoration and preservation are ensured by Duorum. From these 8- and 13-year-old vines emerges this white wine, in a limited edition of 3,300 bottles, with intense citrus aromas (lime and tangerine) and light hints of anise and mint. On the palate, it’s very fresh with fine and balanced acidity, with the fruit enveloped by subtle smoky notes. The finish is long and fresh.
The other novelty is produced 100% from the Touriga Franca grape variety, one of the most emblematic of the Douro, in a limited edition of 6600 bottles. This single-varietal red, aged for nine months in second and third-year barrels, presents a violet color and intense aroma, dominated by ripe red fruits (cherry, blackberry, and raspberry). It also has slight notes of spices, a result of the barrel aging. On the palate, it’s very engaging, with firm and ripe tannins, well integrated, lending a long and persistent impression to the finish.
These are two novelties from this project created in 2007, with the aim of producing high-quality wines, rooted in sustainable viticulture practices, and home to well-known wines such as Tons de Duorum or Duorum Colheita, as well as rarities like O’Leucura. Duorum’s vineyards, located in the Douro Superior region, in an exceptional and protected terroir, are planted on terraces at different altitudes, between 150-500 meters, and only native grape varieties are cultivated.
For João Maria Portugal Ramos, these two new wines from Duorum represent “two very gastronomic novelties born from our team’s constant desire to innovate and seek differentiation right from the vineyard. They undoubtedly enrich our portfolio in the Douro.”