Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2020 from regenerative agriculture launched
08/01/2024Tapada de Coelheiros, a winery located in Arraiolos, has just launched Tapada de Coelheiros Red 2020, a wine that reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. The producer has 53 hectares of certified organic vineyards and is committed to practices aimed at restoring soil health and preserving local ecosystems, without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Alicante Bouschet (30%), the 2020 wine stands out for its notes of ripe red fruit, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Luís Patrão, the winemaker in charge, emphasises the importance of the challenging year of 2020, whose climatic conditions allowed for the creation of a vibrant wine with great freshness.
Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto 2020 is now available to buy online and at points of sale, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quality Alentejo wine in line with sustainable agricultural practices.
Luís Ferreira is the new CEO of the Bacalhôa Group
03/01/2024The Board of Directors of the Bacalhôa Group has announced the appointment of Luís Ferreira as the company’s new CEO. With a solid background in Business Management and extensive experience in financial, operational and management areas, Luís Ferreira has held important positions in large companies such as the Edifer Group, Motorola and Jerónimo Martins.
Over the last three years, Luís Ferreira has worked closely with the Bacalhôa Group and its internal stakeholders. From now on he officially takes over the executive leadership of the group, a milestone that reflects the Board of Directors’ confidence in his ability to lead the company towards sustained and innovative growth. According to the Board of Directors, this appointment will strengthen the Bacalhôa Group’s position as a benchmark company in the wine sector, committed to sustainability and the positive socio-economic impact it has on the national economy and rural areas. In a statement, Luís Ferreira expressed his enthusiasm and responsibility for the challenge: ‘It is with a deep sense of responsibility and high motivation that I accepted the challenge proposed by the Board of Directors to take on this role. I recognise the privilege of leading a team like this one, which has contributed so much to the success and legacy that the Bacalhôa Group has built over the last few years. I believe that we have the capacity to continue this path of growth and to achieve new conquests’.
The Bacalhôa Group is one of the largest wine companies in Portugal, with a presence in seven wine regions and 935 hectares of vineyards. The company stands out for its 70% own production capacity and the diversity of its grape varieties, which total 33. With four wine centres – Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, Aliança Vinhos de Portugal, and Quinta do Carmo – the group combines technological innovation with a rich cultural heritage, offering wines that are recognised on both the national and international markets. Luís Ferreira’s appointment represents a new chapter in the history of the Bacalhôa Group, maintaining the commitment to excellence and innovation that characterises the brand.
Graham’s releases 10 bottles of 1948 Vintage Port to celebrate King Charles III’s 75th birthday
27/12/2023Porto Graham’s, holder of a supply license to the British Royal House, granted by Queen Elizabeth II, will make available 10 of the last bottles of 1948 Vintage Port from its wine cellar to mark the 75th birthday of His Majesty, King Charles III. Produced three years after the end of the Second World War, this exceptional wine was produced without electricity, using the traditional method of foot treading in granite mills on the Graham’s property in Alto Douro, Quinta dos Malvedos.
After 75 years of aging in the Graham’s wine cellar, the 1948 Vintage Port takes its place as one of the most iconic Vintages of the 20th century. With extraordinary elegance and refinement, this Vintage Port has become a wine of great class and power, truly sublime. 3rd generation Port producer, Peter Symington, described 1948 as, «a truly magical year that confirmed Graham’s as a premier Vintage Port House». The aromas are seductive, with traces of wild fruits and refined flavors with subtle tannins and an exceptionally composed aftertaste.
The 10 bottles of this 1948 Vintage Port are presented in beautiful walnut boxes, individually numbered. The bottles will be available exclusively at Graham’s Caves 1890 in Vila Nova de Gaia. The RRP will be €5000 (per bottle).
Johnny Symington, President of Symington Family Estates, commented: «It takes a rare alignment of the stars for the quality of a year to reach a level that allows us to produce a Vintage Port capable of evolving wonderfully in the bottle for so many decades. Graham’s 1948 Vintage Port is one of those extraordinary wines. As Graham’s holder of a royal supply license, we have had the honor of celebrating several special occasions for the Royal Family, with special editions of some of our finest and rarest wines. It is with great pleasure that we offer a Vintage Port as spectacular as 1948 – the year in which His Majesty, King Charles III, was born».
Quinta da Côrte with wine suggestions for the Christmas season and New Year’s Eve program
23/12/2023To offer, savor or toast with the family, Quinta da Côrte suggests some of its wines to celebrate this Christmas season. Presented in wooden boxes, these two wine selections from this historic Douro farm include the Quinta da Côrte Princesa Douro DOC Special Selection (37 euros) and the Quinta da Côrte Vinho do Porto LBV Selection (49 euros). The first, a set of two bottles, comes with Quinta da Côrte Princesa 2020 and 2019. A DOC Douro wine created in honor of winemaker Marta Casanova and the first Douro Wine in the Quinta da Côrte portfolio. The second suggestion also includes two bottles, Quinta da Côrte Porto LBV 2016 and 2018. Alongside these proposals, and to help when choosing the gifts to offer this Christmas, this Douro producer also proposes Quinta da Côrte Azeite Biológico Extra Virgin, produced from centuries-old olive trees on the property, priced at 24.50 euros.
In addition to these suggestions, which can be found in wine cellars and specialty stores, from the north to the south of the country, Quinta da Côrte, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, also opens its doors to wine tourists for a New Year’s party , for a maximum number of 14 people. With an exclusive “New Year’s Eve” program, the Quinta’s main house, located in the heart of the Douro demarcated region, has 7 rooms, two of which are connected, superior typology, common spaces, contemporary and designer rooms, surrounded by a unique landscape. This exclusive program includes a “Découverte” visit and tasting, at 10:30 am and 4:00 pm, subject to availability, dinner and supper on December 31st, a New Year’s Eve toast, a brunch on the first day of the year, among other activities. Reservations can be made by calling +351 964 536 200 or emailing enoturismo.reservas@quintadacorte.com.
Casa Relvas with wine gifts tailored to each person
22/12/2023Because friendship is not measured in liters, Casa Relvas leaves two suggestions for a Christmas that calls for a joyful gathering at the table: Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Selecionado red 2021 and 2022, and Casa Relvas DE.ZAS.SE.TE 2022.
For the more classic, the Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Selecionar red is the perfect choice. The first wine from this Alentejo producer has been evolving and gaining its place in the national and international wine scene. It is, therefore, the most emblematic reference of Casa Relvas and an excellent option for the Christmas table or as a gift. This 2022 harvest was launched in eight different capacities: 0.375 (€3), 0.5l (€3.50) 0.75l (€5.50), 1.5l (€15), 3l (€40) , 5l (€65), 9l (€220) and even a 12l bottle (€275), tailored to each occasion.
Thinking about the most daring, Alexandre Relvas suggests Casa Relvas DE.ZAS.SE.TE 2022, a wine with a high alcohol content, 17, which gives it its name, and which is the result of special years, under the hot Alentejo sun. . Available in 0.75l (€20) and 1.5l (€40) bottles, this is, without a doubt, a wine that promises a different experience, to say the least.
Casa Relvas suggests these two special wines, two references that make a difference in the Alentejo producer’s vast portfolio, and which are available in wine stores across the country.
João Pires surprises with a 10-year-old Moscatel de Setúbal
21/12/2023José Maria da Fonseca has just launched a new reference that completes the portfolio of the iconic João Pires brand – the generous João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years. Since the 70s of the 20th century, João Pires has been a symbol of iconic wines, produced with the Moscatel de Setúbal grape variety, having become a reference in the world of Portuguese wines since its origin. With a white wine and a rosé, which have already won the preferences of wine lovers, the brand reinvents itself with the presentation of its first fortified wine.
Living up to its legacy as the oldest producer, with the greatest prestige and tradition in the production of Setúbal Moscatéis, José Maria da Fonseca launches this new reference as yet another tribute to the Setúbal region. João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Years is a fortified wine with Denomination of Origin, with the youngest wine in this batch being at least 10 years old. In its winemaking process, fermentation is stopped with the addition of wine brandy, keeping the wine in skin maceration for 5 months. After this period, the wine is bled and then blended with press wine. The 10-year stage of this batch varies between 10 and 15 years of aging, in used wooden barrels or barrels. With a deep golden tone, its aroma highlights notes of orange peel, apricot, nuts, honey and fennel. On the palate, it is fruity and soft, with a very long finish.
João Pires Moscatel de Setúbal 10 must be stored with the bottle lying down at an ambient temperature of 12ºC and humidity of 60%. As an aperitif or dessert, it is the ideal companion for convivial moments between family and friends.
Adega de Borba’s new Premium vintages launched
19/12/2023Like the harvest wines already launched at the beginning of this year, the new image of the Premium range maintains its distinctive “B” on the label, but now younger, differentiating and appealing to the sustainability values that the company has been deepening over the last few years. , and which were recognized this year with certification in the Alentejo wine sustainability program.
The Adega de Borba brand, the first to be certified in 1989 as a wine with Denomination of Origin in Alentejo, and the most important in the Adega’s range of references, thus confirms the desire to remain at the forefront of social and environmental responsibility values of wine production in the region, communicating this commitment to the consumer.
The three wines in the Premium range come from vineyards cultivated in ‘Integrated Production’ mode and, in addition to the quality selected in the best vineyard plots, they take advantage of the long knowledge and dedication that winegrowers in the Borba region have dedicated to this crop for a long time.
This new ‘B’ takes us back to the nature where the grapes are produced, and to Adega de Borba’s commitment to working with wine in a sustainable way. Its long history in the sector brings even more responsibility towards the conservation of the natural resources that are used in this activity, hence wanting to ensure their longevity for future generations. According to the Borba winery, «Making the best wine is only worth it if it is compatible with the best environment».
Adega de Borba Premium Rosé 2022 is a DOC Alentejo wine from the Borba sub-region produced from the Aragonez, Syrah and Touriga Nacional grape varieties. It has a light salmon color, with an intense aroma of wild fruits, light floral and spices. Its flavor is balanced and young, with spicy and floral toasted notes. These aromas and flavors will transport you to moments of pure pleasure.
Adega de Borba Premium Red 2021, produced with grapes from the Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. This red wine has a garnet color with great depth and a good intensity aroma, revealing ripe red fruits, jam and ripe pepper. The flavor is soft, elegant, highlighting the black fruits, coffee and chocolate. The structure is fine and persistent in the aftertaste. This Premium from the Adega de Borba range, produced with regular consumption in mind for demanding customers, has an alcohol content of 14%, and is especially designed to accompany well-tasting foods, such as Portuguese stew, roast lamb, wild game or traditional cheeses.
Periquita White, Rosé and Red with new harvests, just in time for Christmas
18/12/2023One of the oldest table wine brands in Portugal, Periquita, now presents new harvests of White, Rosé and Red. Produced by José Maria da Fonseca, these three new wines have a vibrant profile, fruity notes and refreshing aromas and arrive just in time for Christmas.
Created from the Verdelho, Viosinho, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grape varieties, the White from the Periquita family is fruity, fresh and aromatic. With a citrus color and a fragrance marked by notes of lantana and passion fruit, this white has a long palate, with the aromas present on the nose being felt at the end. Ideal as an aperitif or to accompany fish and seafood dishes, this White Periquita should be consumed young and fresh.
Periquita Rosé has a lively tone and an intense perfume, in which wild fruits, raspberries and strawberries stand out, borrowed from the Castelão and Aragonês grape varieties. The addition of Touriga Nacional gives it a floral and elegant profile, with a sweet but balanced palate. This rosé pairs well with light dishes, such as salads, seafood or pastas. And it should be consumed very cool, ideally at 8ºC.
Finally, Periquita Red has a red color, aromas of blueberries and black plums on the nose. In the mouth, it is very fruity, with soft and well-integrated tannins. Produced with the Castelão, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet grape varieties, this wine aged for six months in new French and American oak. Ideal for serving at a temperature of 16ºC, it is a perfect red to accompany meat, game and cheese dishes with an intense flavor.
White Periquita 2022 | 750 ml – RRP Recommended with VAT €4.99
Periquita Rosé 2022 | 750ml – R.P.P. Recommended with VAT €4.99
Periquita Red 2022 | 750 ml – RRP Recommended with VAT €4.99
To toast or to offer this Christmas: João Portugal Ramos presents suggestions
15/12/2023João Portugal Ramos has just presented some special suggestions for toasting with the family during the Christmas holidays, or to offer to family and friends this season. Available in packs of two bottles or in magnum format, these Portugal Ramos wines originate from two regions, Alentejo and Douro.
From Alentejo, João Portugal Ramos presents three references from two different brands.
Marquês de Borba – Colheita red 2021 and Vinhas Velhas red 2020 – and Vila Santa Reserva red 2021
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 is available in a pack of two bottles and also in a 1,500ml magnum format. This wine is the result of a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot and Merlot grape varieties. In the glass, it is an intense fruity red, with aromas of blackberries, cassis and jams. Its tannins are soft and it has a good balance between fruit and acidity. The Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas red 2020 is available in a wooden box with two bottles. A blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão and Syrah grape varieties. Intense garnet in color, with a large concentration of black fruits, eucalyptus leaves and some spicy notes on the nose. It also presents great volume in the mouth and velvety tannins.
Still from Alentejo, the producer suggests the Vila Santa Reserva red 2021, available in a pack of two bottles or individually. Coming from 100% organic grapes, from the Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, in the glass it has an intense garnet tone and its aroma suggests very ripe black fruits well combined with barrel spices. Elegant and full-bodied, it is a wine with very present soft tannins. It is characterized as a fleshy, powerful and full red.
From the Douro, two other suggestions come from Portugal Ramos.
Tons de Duorum red 2021 is available in a pack with two bottles or in a pack that includes a 1,500ml magnum bottle. This Douro red, made from the Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz grape varieties, has an intense aroma dominated by fresh red fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries. It presents very soft and mature tannins, well involved in its body and volume. This result results in a wine whose finish is dominated by its freshness, smoothness and elegance.
Duorum Colheita red 2020 is available in a wooden box with two bottles. It is a blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz. Deep red in color with violet tones, its aroma is intense, fresh and complex, dominated by ripe fruits, such as blackberry, plum and cassis, some floral aromas, such as violet, and tertiary aromas, coming from its élevage in barrels. It has firm, ripe tannins and a balanced acidity, which, being well involved in the large volume and body, gives a long and elegant finish, defined for the Duorum profile.
Christmas Special – João Portugal Ramos
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €14.99
Marquês de Borba Colheita red 2021 – Box with 1 bottle | 1500ml – €16.99
Marquês de Borba Vinhas Velhas red 2020 – Box with 2 bottles | 750ml – €39.99
Vila Santa Reserva red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €27.98
Shades of Duorum red 2021 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €10.98
Shades of Duorum red 2021 – Box with 1 bottle | 1500ml – €12.99
Duorum Colheita red 2020 – Box with 2 bottles | 750 ml – €26.99
Frei Gigante with new image
14/12/2023Frei Gigante, one of the oldest brands of the Cooperativa Vitivinícola on the island of Pico – Picowines has a new image. The 2021 harvest, of this certified wine with designation of origin, now appears on the market completely renewed, with an image that, in fact, tells the story and adventure of this wine, combining tradition with the innovation that characterizes it. Its name pays homage to the first known historical personality who, in 1460, when the island was colonized, brought the first vines and made the first experiences of wine production sites: «O Frei Gigante, a blend of the three Arinto dos Açores monovarieties , Verdelho and Terrantez do Pico, is the cooperative’s flagship wine when we talk about native grape varieties and what represents the essence of Pico wines. It is a wine that is not limited to grapes and fermentations, it tells a story and its adventure, combining tradition with innovation», says Losménio Goulart, President of the Pico Island Wine Cooperative – Picowines.
For his part, Bernardo Cabral, consulting oenologist at Picowines highlights «minerality, salinity and acidity as striking characteristics in Azorean wines, especially those produced on the island of Pico, and a unique and singular terroir marked by volcanic soils and the strong influence of the Atlantic , which makes us have wines of excellence. We intend to have genuine and little worked wines».
The graphic elements on the label of the new image of the Giant Friar tell its history and origin. Among several symbols, the image of the island of Pico stands out, the compass that aims to represent the role of Frei Gigante in the discovery of grape varieties and ways of implementing vineyards on the island, the Portuguese caravel that represents the grape varieties brought from the Mediterranean islands, Verdelho, the most traditional and emblematic grape variety in the region or even the initials of its real name: Pedro Frei Gigante.
The new image of the Giant Friar tells a story. Legend has it that Pedro Frei Gigante then brought the first vines to Pico, at the beginning of the island’s colonization, carrying out the first wine production experiments on black stone floors protected by basalt walls, which today characterize the second largest island in the Azores Archipelago. The Franciscans helped people work and invent ways to improve ‘real’ lives. There was an interest beyond the religious that the evolution of the people of Pico truly happened. The introduction of vineyard planting was led on the island of Pico by Franciscan friars who early recognized the existence of suitable climatic conditions for wine production. They worked as a family and knew that there were lands in the Mediterranean areas similar to those in Pico where there were vineyards. Frei Gigante was a Franciscan and played a leading role in the planting of vineyards in the Mediterranean, through sharing his knowledge.
The first plants were brought from the Mediterranean islands. The variety that gained preference due to its productivity and quality of the wines produced was Verdelho. Azorean history often mentions that the first plants were brought from Sicily, the characteristics of the vineyard and the dynamics of settlement and trade at the time point to the Canaries. After a slow start, liqueur wine became famous for its quality and at the end of the 17th century it was already exported to other islands and from the 18th century to most northern European countries.