Quinta do Bomfim presents new wine tasting
26/09/2023At Quinta do Bomfim – owned by Symington Family Estates for five generations, located in Pinhão –, getting to know the Douro is synonymous with tasting the best that is produced in the region. Guided tours, one of several possible options for getting to know the space, include tastings of Port wines and DOC Douro wines from the family’s portfolio, and there are new features. ‘The Specialist’ is the property’s latest proposal.
The new tasting is made up of four excellent wines, two DOC and two Ports: Altano Reserva Branco Douro DOC, with the Viosinho variety highlighted; Quinta do Vesúvio Red Douro DOC, produced in the unique terroir of Douro Superior; Quinta do Vesúvio 1995 Vintage, with aromas of violets and rockrose; and Dow’s 30 Years Tawny, softened by three decades of aging in oak. ‘The Specialist’ test is available for 75 euros.
For those who just want to taste the region’s wine, or who do not have the possibility to visit the entire property, Quinta do Bomfim has prepared an exclusive selection, with new combinations available. Wine Flights are the perfect solution for a quick trip through space and to discover the Douro through taste. For 25 euros, the ‘DOC Douro Flight’ tasting combines a white, from Altano, with two reds, Quinta do Ataíde and Quinta do Vesúvio.
Vintage wines from the Dow’s brand – one of the most recognized Port wine houses, originating in the Quinta do Bomfim vineyards – are the star of the ‘Dow’s Flight’ tasting (40 euros), which includes an LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) , Dow’s 1994 Vintage and Dow’s 30 years. For 60 euros, visitors will be able to taste four excellent wines with the ‘The Specialist Flight’ option: Altano Reserva Branco DOC, Quinta do Vesúvio Red DOC, Quinta do Vesúvio 1995 Vintage Port and Dow’s 30 years old.
Remember that, in addition to these new proposals, Quinta do Bomfim presents a selection of tastings, between 23 and 75 euros.
These suggestions are joined by many other activities, which allow visitors to spend a day at the property, enjoying the best of the Douro terroir. At Quinta do Bomfim, it is possible to stroll through the vineyards and discover the family’s Caste Collection – a project that aims to safeguard the preservation of lesser-known grape varieties, as well as broaden the knowledge base of Portuguese and Douro grape varieties to support decisions regarding future plantations, especially in the context of climate change. Tours are available for 10 euros and include a kit so that Bomfim “explorers” don’t lack anything: a canteen with water, a straw hat, a map and even a glass of Altano Branco.
Picnics are another activity that can complement a visit to Bomfim. The recently opened ‘Merenda na Vinha’ space offers, for 40 euros per person, a light meal, in a comfortable and familiar environment. In addition to appropriate tables, the new picnic area has blankets for more relaxed moments, a leisure area and bar service, which allows tasting wine by the glass and cocktails. Available from Wednesday to Sunday (from 12pm to 5pm), the Merenda na Vinha picnics have menus for kids and adults.
But if you still feel hungry, Quinta do Bomfim has two restaurants: Casa dos Ecos and Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos. With different profiles, both spaces are inspired by the Douro, presenting diverse menus, with regional dishes and traditional recipes, cooked in a wood oven.
Experiences at Quinta do Bomfim are subject to mandatory pre-booking and can be booked via the website, by phone (254 730 370), or by email (quintadobomfim@symington.com).
Herdade das Servas white and Sangiovese rosé 2022 arrive on the market
19/09/2023After the white, rosé and red Monte das Servas trio, Herdade das Servas, in Alentejo, is now launching two more labels, both from 2022: the white Herdade das Servas (the white one drops the Selected Harvest mention and also changes the bottle) and Herdade das Servas Sangiovese, a single-varietal rosé.
From the 2022 harvest as Herdade das Servas white, this reference had its first edition in 2006, subsequently launched every year in a very consistent way. The harvest is manual. Vinification began with de-stemming and crushing, followed by pneumatic pressing, with protection from oxidation. Static decantation took place for 48 hours and alcoholic fermentation, carried out by grape variety, took place in stainless steel vats with temperature control. The ‘sur lie’ stage was also carried out in stainless steel for three months. A clear, citrine-colored white, with aromas of peach, lemon, tangerine and tropical notes. It is fresh, fruity, complex, elegant and has a persistent aftertaste. A white that promises good longevity of up to a decade, to accompany salads, seafood, cheeses, fish and white meats. It is available in 750mL (€11.30) and 375mL (€5.55) bottles.
In the case of Herdade das Servas Sangiovese rosé 2022, until fermentation, the process is the same as for the white, and at this stage, part of the must ferments in used French oak barrels and the rest in stainless steel tanks with temperature control. Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine ages ‘sur lie’ in stainless steel vats and oak barrels, using the bâtonnage technique for three months. A pale salmon-colored rosé, with aromas of raspberry, currant, pomegranate, floral notes and subtle barrel toast. Fresh, fruity, mineral and dry, it has an elegant and persistent aftertaste, ideal for salads, pastas, pizzas, sushi and white meats. In this edition, the producer added the magnum bottle format. Recommended retail prices are around €12.30 (750mL) and €34.00 (1500mL).
2023 harvest closure at Torre de Palma
14/09/2023After two months dedicated to the Harvest at Herdade de Torre de Palma, in Monforte, Alto Alentejo, on September 30th (Saturday), the winery welcomes friends, family, customers and partners for a unique party to celebrate the 2023 harvest. Adiafa in Torre de Palma will include the blessing of the musts and moments of sharing with animation.
Throughout the afternoon of September 30th, visitors will be able to taste musts from this property’s grape varieties, including Alicante Bouschet; Fine Paint; Alvarinho or Antão Vaz. Furthermore, you will be able to see the beginning of fermentation in the winery with winemaker Duarte de Deus.
At the top of the Torre de Palma, where you can see the Alentejo landscape at 360 degrees, visitors will also be treated to a glass of the wine that was highlighted as the Best White Wine in Portugal, in the Portuguese Escanções Competition. Afterwards, there will be a return to traditions with music and dance from the Cabeço de Vide Folklore Ranch. The Alentejo barbecue will be in charge of Chef Miguel Laffan, responsible for the property’s ‘Restaurante Palma’, and will be followed by a concert by the Alto Alentejo band ‘Raio dos Cachopos’, which promises Alentejo singing and Portuguese music reinterpreted in an original way , through covers and medleys of his own creation.
The organization of Adiafa is one of the highlights of the year of this reference project in national wine tourism, where Torre de Palma opens its doors to showcase the year’s harvest and the new products being prepared at the winery. «This day is a moment of celebration and gratitude towards everyone who contributes to, year after year, presenting wines with the quality that is ours.
Recognized», explains Paulo Barradas Rebelo, owner of Torre de Palma.
Adiafa de Torre de Palma starts at 5:30 pm and costs €70 (program with dinner and entertainment), subject to pre-registration. For those who wish to stay at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel that night, they can enjoy 15 % discount when booking your stay. Limit registration for the outdoor dining program until September 25th.
Program:
5:30 pm – Start of ADIAFA || Reception of guests
6:00 pm – Blessing and Must Tasting in the Vineyards
7:00 pm – Sunset at the top of the Tower with the award-winning Torre de Palma Reserva Branco
2021 – “Best White Wine” in the Escanções de Portugal competition
7:30 pm – Performance by Rancho Folclorico de Cabeço de Vide
8:00 pm – Outdoor Alentejo Barbecue
9pm – Live music with the band Raio dos Cachopos
Contact for reservations: reservas@torredepalma.com
T: 245 038 890
WhatsApp: 936 004 264
The uniqueness of Beiras
12/09/2023From Quinta de Foz de Arouce, located in the Municipality of Lousã, Beiras region, comes the most recent harvest – the Quinta de Foz de Arouce white 2022. A wine with a unique profile, awarded nationally and internationally, is one of the ex libris of João Portugal Ramos Vinhos and conquers the most demanding palates. The uniqueness of its terroir allows the creation of striking, complex and structured wines, with excellent aging potential. This is the perfect wine to accompany traditional family lunches where dishes of roasted fish, poultry, cheese and salads stand out.
Lemon yellow in color, it has a complex aroma with notes of lime and grapefruit, cut herb and fennel. In the mouth, it has good structure and pronounced acidity. It is a smooth wine with smoky notes and a long aftertaste.
Quinta Foz de Arouce white 2022, with a history of around 20 harvests, is a monovarietal wine from the Cerceal grape variety, quite typical in the Bairrada and Dão regions. Coming from schist soils, the winemaking process for this white involves fermentation in 1st year (20%) and 2nd and 3rd year (80%) French oak barrels. The aging process then takes place for 7 months in fermentation barrels with batonage.
The Quinta that gives rise to it is surrounded by the foothills of the Serras da Lousã and Penela and bathed by the Arouce and Ceira rivers. The old documents existing in the house refer to the properties as belonging to the family since the 18th century. Vineyard culture has been known in this place since the Visigothic occupation of the Peninsula, as evidenced by several legends that say King Arunce kept wine, among other precious goods, in his Lousã castle. Wine production at the Quinta blends with the property’s own history and demarcation, and today, like the winery, it is the only one known in the region.
It was in the 1970s that João Portugal Ramos’ in-laws discovered the potential of the vineyards, which had been in existence for over 40 years and produced wines of unquestionable quality. In the 80s João Portugal Ramos became the house’s consultant and winemaker. In 1987, the first wines from Quinta de Foz de Arouce were bottled and sold under his guidance. Foz de Arouce wines are today recognized wines of very high quality.
Tejo wines with an increase of 11.5% in certification and 50% in exports
08/09/2023The results of the first half are already known and the Regional Wine Commission for Tejo Wines (CVR Tejo) is pleased with a significant increase in the certification of wines from the region. Between January and June 2023, 16.8 million liters were certified, which represents an increase of around 11.5% compared to the same period last year. Of this total amount, 5 million liters – representing approximately 1/3 – were destined for export, with greater emphasis on the countries of the European Union, of which Sweden and Poland led. This is reflected in an increase of almost 50%, compared to 2022, which is very encouraging for the Tagus Wines.
Analyzing data from the last five years, that is, between 2018 and 2022, CVR Tejo registered a very significant increase in the first three years and more gradually in the following years. In 2018, 13.5 million liters of Tagus Wines were certified, to which almost 10 million were added the following year, translating into a growth of 94%, with 2019 registering 23.3 million litres. In the two years of the pandemic, the numbers continued to grow: in 2020, 29.5 million liters were reached and, in 2021, the barrier of three dozen was surpassed, with 30.5 million liters certified. With the effect of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, a global crisis ensued and, in 2022, the growth trend was reversed, with 27.9 million liters of certificates.
Forecasts for this year are encouraging, which is reflected in a first half with growth of around 11.5% compared to 2022 (15.10 million litres). If we compare with 2018, the year in which January-June certification was 6.8 million liters, 10 million less than this year, there is an increase of 149%. Still keeping an eye on the data for this first semester, there is a 35.7% increase in the certification of wines with the Tagus DOC seal.
Another very positive note is the increase in consumption of Tagus Wines in the HoReCa channel. A greater appetite in catering capitalizes on differentiating and higher value wines, which is an added value for building the region’s brand and notoriety. With the effect of ‘contagion’, starting with professionals and prescribers, this is an important path for the region.
Luís de Castro, president of CVR Tejo, is satisfied with «the data for this first half, which show good growth indicators and leverage confidence in the accumulated recovery of the year». The president of the entity that regulates the production and certification of Tagus Wines has no doubt that the region will continue to grow and conquer, more and more, national and international market share. These results are the result of the great work done by the producers, with the encouragement of CVR Tejo, in terms of valuing the territory, the product and the Vinhos do Tejo brand, umbrella for wines with Controlled Designation of Origin or Protected Geographical Indication.
Madeira Wine Company launches 11 new wines at Blandy’s Wine Festival
07/09/2023From the 5th to the 9th of September, Funchal hosts, once again, the Blandy's Wine Festival at Blandy's Wine Lodge and other partner locations. A party that takes place during the harvest season and aims to celebrate this time of year, with fun and educational activities centered on the world of wine. It is under this commemorative pretext that another celebration comes together: the new releases of Colheitas e Frasqueiras from 2023 by the Madeira Wine Company, which by the hands of Chris Blandy and Francisco Albuquerque, respectively CEO and oenologist of the Madeiran wine company dating from 1818, present a A total of 11 new wines, divided between three of Madeira Wine Company's centuries-old wine brands. This event takes place on September 7th, at 5:30 pm, at Blandy's Wine Lodge, where you can taste the new wines:
Blandy's Madeira:
● 2010 Sercial Harvest
● Verdelho Harvest 2010
● 2010 Bual Harvest
● 2010 Malmsey Harvest
● Malmsey Frasqueira 1991
● Frasqueira Sercial 1990
● Frasqueira Verdelho 1982
● Frasqueira Bual 1976
More information and technical sheets available at www.blandys.com
Miles Madeira, 1 Harvest and 1-20 years sweet:
● Tinta Negra 2007 Harvest
● 20 years of sweet Tinta Negra
More information and technical sheets available at www.milesmadeira.com
Cossart Gordon Madeira, 1 Bottle:
● Malmsey Frasqueira 1995
More information and technical sheets available at www.cossartgordon.com.
To see the entire Blandy's Wine Festival 2023 program visit: www.blandyswinelodge.com
Casa Relvas invites you to ‘Dia de São Miguel’
06/09/2023On the 16th of September, Saturday, Casa Relvas promotes another edition of the event ‘A Day in São Miguel’. For this date, the Alentejo producer invites everyone to spend an afternoon in the countryside, among family and friends, away from the hurried day-to-day, and toast to the best that the Alentejo has to offer. This is the perfect weekend program for wine – and gastronomy – lovers, and also for those who enjoy being in good company, outdoors, always in a good mood and lots of fun.
«The previous editions of this event, which is very special for Casa Relvas, were a real success. This year, and after the always blessed rains made us make the difficult decision to postpone until September, we want to surprise even more those who visit us, with activities for the whole family, unmissable musical performances, among many other surprises», reveals Alexandre Relvas, CEO of Casa Relvas. «A Day in São Miguel is, in fact, much more than an event, since we have the opportunity to open the doors of Herdade de São Miguel, the doors of our home, to all our customers, friends and partners, to toast, together, to the history of Casa Relvas and the cultural richness of the Alentejo. We want this date to remain in the memory of all those who come here to spend this day with us», adds the person in charge.
From 2 pm until sunset, on the 16th of September, Herdade de São Miguel, located in Redondo, about 1h30m from Lisbon, will be the stage for an unforgettable event. From wine and gastronomy tastings to concerts, passing through traditional games or the demonstration of products and handicrafts from the region, there will be plenty of reasons to head to the Alentejo to join the Casa Relvas family in this annual event.
Visitors will have to present a wristband at the entrance to the enclosure – where they will receive a straw hat and a cup holder -, which can be purchased on site on the day of the event or, in advance, at the Alentejo producer’s online store. The ticket (wristband) costs 20 euros per person (under 18s, accompanied by adults, have free access). Part of the ticket price – 5 euros – goes to the Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome de Évora, a Private Institution of Social Solidarity that fights the waste of food products, collecting them and forwarding them for free distribution to the neediest people in this district
To accompany the wines served at the venue’s bar – from the Herdade de São Miguel and Casa Relvas ranges – the ticket also includes skewered pork, available throughout the afternoon. Those who appreciate the flavors of the Alentejo can also try other regional delicacies at the event’s exhibitors dedicated to gastronomy, where several options from various local producers will be available for purchase. From cheeses to sausages, bread, honey, olive oil, sweets and ice cream, there is no shortage of gastronomic proposals to taste, accompanied by the wines of the producer from Redondo. In addition to the regional products exhibition, the venue also has a shop where you can buy wines, regional products and merchandising, and where you can also purchase consumption tickets for the event. Since this day will be spent in the countryside, there is not always an ATM network, so it is advisable to bring cash for shopping.
The wristband also includes registration for one of the wine tastings in the event’s program (subject to availability, as each tasting has a limited capacity of 60 people): ‘Casa Relvas Single Varieties’ (3:00 pm to 3:30 pm), with Nuno Franco, director production by Casa Relvas, ’20 years of Herdade de São Miguel’ (4 pm to 4.30 pm), by Alexandre Relvas, and, finally, ‘Trincadeira, the mal-amada’ (5 pm to 5.30 pm), a tasting starring João Paulo Martins . Those interested in these tests must register in advance – and free of charge – via email loja@casarelvas.pt. So that more people have the opportunity to register for the sessions, in this edition, Casa Relvas has limited registration to one test per person.
Alongside the wine and gastronomic aspects, the event promoted by Casa Relvas also has many other activities, which seek to make known the essence of Alentejo traditions. Traditional games for the little ones, shearing the sheep and the Xico Tarefa pottery wheel, with typical Redondo pottery, are some of the main attractions. Here, visitors can also see up close the painting of furniture typical of the Alentejo, the Ruas Floridas project, with a demonstration of local work with paper flowers, and they can also engrave their name on a personalized corkscrew to take home and have a memory of this special day
Anyone who purchases a ticket for ‘Um Dia em São Miguel’ will watch three unmissable musical moments by local bands Trovadores de Redondo and SevenDixie, and also Olavo Bilac, a classic of Portuguese music, who will be the protagonist of the event’s main concert, a moment of fun that will accompany the day until the sun sets on the Alentejo plain.
Casa Relvas thus invites you to an afternoon well spent in the Alentejo, at Herdade de São Miguel, with the promise that it will be an event to create moments with friends and family, with a stunning landscape. On the 16th of September, there will be plenty of reasons to toast at this Alentejan outdoor party, where time passes slowly in good company!
Quinta dos Malvedos opens doors to ‘Manos Argentinas’ again
05/09/2023Quinta dos Malvedos – owned by the Symington family and the birthplace of Graham’s wines – opens again to host the ‘Manos Argentinas’ gastronomic experience. The second edition of the event, promoted by Graham’s and the Belos Aires restaurant, takes place on Port Wine Day, September 10th, and, to celebrate in the best way, the suggestion goes through a lunch consisting of 10 moments, prepared by different guest Argentine chefs, who arrive from various parts of the world. As in the first edition, the ‘Manos Argentinas’ experience only has 50 seats available.
The event features the presence of several internationally renowned chefs, who join Mauricio António Ghiglione – chef at the Belos Aires restaurant – to prepare Portuguese dishes, with the theme “Land and Sea”. The 10 gastronomic moments that make up the experience, and whose particularity is being prepared over the fire, will be harmonized with various wine references from the Symington family portfolio.
Participants of the ‘Manos Argentinas’ lunch thus have the opportunity to taste various delicacies, as well as enjoy Quinta dos Malvedos, a property that few have access to. The experience begins at Vinum at Graham’s, in Vila Nova de Gaia, where, at 10:30 am, the transfer will take guests to Malvedos. In the Douro, they will be received with a “welcome drink” and appetizers. Afterwards, moments at the table follow, which begin to be served at 2 pm. After tasting the dishes and wines, the return trip, also provided by Symington, is scheduled for 6:30 pm.
Participation in the ‘Manos Argentinas’ experience costs 150 euros per person (with transfer included) and can be booked through the event’s website (https://manosargentinas.grahams-port.com/) or by telephone. – 965 699 225 or 915 144 630 (Belos Aires Restaurant).
Porto Cruz launches fresh Portonic Cruz
04/09/2023To help extend the summer, Porto Cruz has just launched Portonic Cruz Fresco. Produced with rosé Port wine and tonic water, it is a refreshing, practical and ready-to-drink drink. Sold in 200ml units, it can be drunk directly from the bottle or in a glass, with ice cubes. Founded on the banks of the Douro River in 1887, and heir to ancestral know-how, Porto Cruz combines the best of tradition and innovation to offer high quality Port wines. Appreciated in more than 50 countries, it is the number 1 Port wine brand in the world, and is committed to supporting the market for this product by promoting new consumption patterns. The launch of this Portonic Cruz Fresco is an example of this.
Composed of 30% Port wine, 70% tonic water and natural aromas, Portonic Cruz Fresco aims to meet both Port wine lovers and challenge other consumers to rediscover it, in an unusual, colorful, modern and practical.
On tasting, it appears with an attractive pale pink appearance and notes of citrus and red fruits (cherry cherry, wild strawberry). The palate is fresh and lively, with notes of stone fruits (nectarines) and citrus fruits (grapefruit). Balanced finish, with good harmony between Port wine, fruity aromas and the bitterness of tonic water.
With an alcohol content of 5.5%, it is on sale in the main supermarkets and has an RRP of €2.49 per bottle, and can also be purchased in packs of 12 units.
A day dedicated to the harvest at Casa Relvas
01/09/2023When the harvest season arrives, Casa Relvas opens the doors of its house to make known the art of harvesting, with another edition of the Harvest Programme, which provides a day well spent to all lovers or those curious about the wine world. This year, the initiative will take place from the 1st to the 30th of September, at Herdade de São Miguel, in Redondo, Alentejo.
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in September have a different flavor with the Casa Relvas Harvest Program. During these days, it is possible to join the Herdade de São Miguel team and experience the whole culture and tradition of wine and vineyards in the Alentejo, from the harvest, with a tour of the vineyard and the identification of grape varieties and sensory analysis of pips, berries and stems, manual harvesting and the traditional foot treading of the grapes, without a doubt, the most anticipated activity of the program. The initiative, which lasts approximately five hours, ends with a wine tasting, which can be accompanied by a lunch with typical dishes from the region.
«With September comes another edition of the Harvest Program at Casa Relvas, a very special moment for us, where we invite all those passionate and curious about the world of wine to join our family for an unforgettable day. Opening our house and showing how we work is a way not only to get closer to wine lovers, but also to share the centuries-old art of harvesting with everyone», says Casa Relvas CEO, Alexandra Relvas.
To participate in the Harvest Program you must book at least 72 hours in advance, via email at enoturismo@casarelvas.pt. Groups must consist of a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 20. The cost of the program is 50 euros per person, without lunch, and 80 euros per person, with lunch, and includes the offer of a ‘harvest kit’ , which includes a t-shirt and a hat, so that everyone can ‘wear the shirt’ and, for a day, be part of the team, and of the family that is Casa Relvas.
HARVEST PROGRAM 2023
5-hour program including:
Walk in the vineyard;
Identification of grape varieties and sensory analysis of berries, pips and stems;
Manual harvesting;
Step on foot;
Must tasting;
Wine tasting and lunch (optional).
€50 without lunch | €80 including lunch | T-shirt and straw hat offer
PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
4 to 20 participants
Start of activities: 11:00 am
Reservations (booking 72 hours in advance): enoturismo@casarelvas.pt | +351 266 988 034 | +351 917 295 358