‘Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2024’
27/03/2024Quinta de Santa Cristina recently announced that it won the gold medal with the Quinta de Santa Cristina Espadeiro-Alvarinho 2022 wine, in the Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2024 competition.
Composed exclusively of female judges, the 11th edition of this renowned competition’s mission is to distinguish the wines that best harmonize with Japanese cuisine and boost the role of women in the wine sector.
In a more gastronomic profile, Espadeiro Alvarinho is characterized by its fresh, expressive and delicate aroma, with notes of red fruit, strawberries, raspberry and a slight floral, complemented by smooth and well-integrated acidity. Finishes fresh, seductive and very appetizing. A Rosé Wine ideal to accompany foods that are not very spicy, such as Italian and Asian food.
Inserted in the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, located in Celorico de Basto, Quinta de Santa Cristina has been in the same family since 1733. Professional wine production began in 2004 and is currently owned by António and Rosa Maria Pinto and their daughter Monica Pinto. All wines are produced with our own grapes and, between white and red varieties, around 14 different varieties are produced that occupy more than 60 hectares of vineyard. The production is certified in Integrated Production and follows all Global G.A.P. certification rules.
Graham’s challenges bartenders from 17 countries to create a unique cocktail
21/03/2024For the third year in a row, Graham’s is putting the creativity of bartenders and mixologists to the test. After the success of previous editions, the renowned Port wine house – owned by Symington Family Estates – once again promotes the Graham’s Blend Series Cocktail Competition, challenging participants to create a unique cocktail, which highlights the profile of one of the wines it makes up. the Graham’s Blend Series – Blend Nº5 or Blend Nº12. Interested parties must submit the name and concept of the cocktail, as well as a photo, by February 23rd. Subsequently, the selected candidates must prepare their creations in front of a panel of judges in the national qualifying round, on March 26th. The event will take place in Lisbon, at Red Frog, an establishment included in The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
In addition to receiving a 4.5-liter bottle of Graham’s Porto Tawny 10 Years, the winner of the national competition will be qualified to represent Portugal in the global final, between May 19th and 22nd, in Porto. The event, which rewards the talent and originality of mixologists from all over the world, has been growing, allowing us to take a new approach to Port wine even further. The third edition is marked by the participation of a record number of countries, with 17 bartenders of different nationalities fighting for the first prize: one thousand euros and the supply of Blend Series wines for six months (maximum of three cases per month). More information about registration and the competition is available at https://blendseriescomp2024.grahams-port.com/
Talha à Mesa | March 23rd to 24th
20/03/2024It is the first edition of a Talha gastronomy and wine event that will take place on the 23rd and 24th of March, at Adega de Vidigueira, Cuba e Alvito, located in Vidigueira, Alentejo. Talha Wine is increasingly present on restaurant menus and chefs are experimenting to find dishes that harmonize with these new aromas and flavors characteristic of a good Talha Wine.
Following the approval of the application by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage for registration in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (INPCI) of Talha Wine Production, a process characteristic of the Alentejo, Adega Cooperativa believes that it is time to elevate the role of Talha wine in Portuguese gastronomy and positioning it in a premium segment and as a wine par excellence for pairing with food.
There will be wine meals: Exclusive lunches and dinners, prepared by guest chefs (José Júlio Vintém, João Mourato and Pedro Mendes), paired with Talha wines; Talha Wine Masterclass: A special and very restricted tasting where different styles of Talha wine will be tasted, combined with a little history and sharing this ancient art; Showcookings in the Vine: Combining a culinary demonstration with pairing with carved wines, in the unique environment of a century-old vineyard in the region; and Copo das 5: a moment dedicated to snacks and Talha wine, which includes the service of a selection of traditional snacks with Talha wine to accompany. In addition, a Talha Wine Bar, a display of Talha wines, from different producers, where visitors can taste and discover different wine houses and profiles.
COMPLETE PROGRAM:
SATURDAY
11-12h: “Cozinha na Vinha” – Show cooking at Vinhas Centenárias with food and wine tasting.
12:30pm – 3pm: Pairing lunch with Talha wine, with Chef João Mourato
3-8pm: Talha Bar
3:30pm-4:30pm – Carved wine masterclass
5-6pm: “5 o’clock cup”
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: “Kitchen at the Cellar” Showcooking at the Cellar
8pm – 10pm: Pairing dinner with Talha wine, with Chef Pedro Mendes
SUNDAY
11am-12pm: “Cozinha na Vinha” – Show cooking at Vinhas Centenárias with food and wine tasting
12:30pm – 3pm: Pairing lunch with Talha wine, with Chef José Júlio Vintém
Very limited places in all activities, and meals will only be available for sale until March 19th. More information and registration at: https://adegavidigueira.pt/talha-a-mesa-23-a-24- by-marco/
Quinta de Lemos suggests the wine ‘Dona Santana 2007 Tinto’ for Father’s Day
19/03/2024Composed of the four red grape varieties from the Dão region, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen, and Alfrocheiro, the “Dona Santana 2007 Tinto,” produced by winemaker Hugo Chaves, pairs well with red and white meats, as well as cheeses. It is a wine concentrated in color and fruity aroma, with well-integrated balsamic notes. In the mouth, it presents a good structure with restrained tannins.
The vineyards of Quinta de Lemos are located in the Silgueiros sub-region between 350 and 400 meters above sea level. The vineyard is managed within an integrated protection program, with the application of herbicides prohibited. Harvesting is done manually when the grapes reach optimal ripeness, typically in the second half of September and the first half of October. The harvest is carried out in small boxes of only 10 kg.
It is worth mentioning that Quinta de Lemos was founded in the mid-90s by Celso de Lemos, with the dream of creating exclusive wines. A wine dedicated to his closest friends and family, meant to bring people together around a good conversation. The estate is located in the Dão valley, hidden at an altitude of 340m, where 25 hectares of vineyards and 3000 olive trees are found, totaling 25 hectares of land. Quinta de Lemos has been producing typical Dão wines since 2005.
The Guesthouse of Quinta de Lemos, designed by the Carvalho Araújo studio, is part of the ‘Mesa de Lemos’ restaurant project, open to the public under the command of chef Diogo Rocha. The aim is to make the most of high-quality national products through innovative techniques. The focus of the creations is on the simplicity of flavors. The guesthouse of the Quinta is a private facility that complements the first one and also serves as a showroom for Abyss & Habidecor linens (the first business of Quinta de Lemos and one of the most recognized brands internationally), also functioning as a wine tasting space, in connection with the wine activity of Quinta de Lemos. For the construction of this building, environmentally friendly materials were used, and the final result perfectly reflects this connection to nature that surrounds the site.
José de Sousa 2021: the wisdom of ages to toast on Father’s Day
18/03/2024To honor the best father in the world, Adega José de Sousa suggests the latest harvest of José de Sousa red, an Alentejo wine produced with ancestral techniques that promise to conquer the most demanding palates.
This Alentejo red is produced at Adega José de Sousa, located in the heart of the Alentejo region, which has two wineries with very distinct styles but perfectly combine tradition with innovation: in Adega dos Potes, there are 114 clay amphorae, with an ancient and extremely rare fermentation method, and in the Modern Winery, there are 44 stainless steel tanks with all the indispensable winemaking technology for the production of white and red wines. In this wine, the most traditional and ancient techniques in winemaking are used, such as the use of clay amphorae in grape fermentation and grape stomping by foot.
José de Sousa red 2021 is a blend of Grand Noir (56%), Trincadeira (32%), and Aragonês (12%). Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels, it presents in the glass with a deep red hue and a smoky, spicy aroma that makes it unique. On the palate, it is a wine with very present tannins and a long finish. It is also the perfect pairing for game dishes and cheeses. Awarded nationally and internationally, harvest after harvest, José de Sousa is the perfect choice to celebrate and toast on Father’s Day.
An Easter Adventure at Quinta Vale do Sabor
18/03/2024At Quinta Vale do Sabor, in the Douro, children are invited to take part in an adventure through the vineyards in search of colorful and delicious eggs. From 3pm, in addition to the egg hunt, the farm will also offer a lively egg painting workshop, followed by a snack. The cost is €15 per child and €10 per adult (all children must be accompanied by at least one adult). To book Easter activities, you must contact the Wine Tourism team, via the website www.provasbyaveleda.com, email enoturismo.sabor@quintavaledonamaria.pt or telephone +351 939 149 299.
Douro and Dão to toast on Father’s Day
18/03/2024Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in Douro, and Quinta da Taboadella, in Dão, suggest wines for fathers with different personalities, whether they are more minimalist, devoted to tradition, or ahead of their time. The suggestions from the two wineries belonging to the Amorim group include wine references of different styles and origins. They are:
For minimalist fathers – The grape is symbolically represented on the labels of the Grainha wines, which received a new look in 2022, a work with the signature of Eduardo Aires, from Studio Eduardo Aires – the visual symbol in the center of the label is, at the same time, a representation of the grape seed and a dot of the letter “i”. With a refined, elegant, and simple image, the Grainha White Reserva 2022 and Grainha Red Reserva 2021 are suggestions from Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo for minimalist fathers, who appreciate pure design mixed with wine references that convey the unique character of the Douro. If the white wine comes from grapes cultivated at high altitude, being an ode to the highlands of the region, the red wine is a faithful portrait of the classic from Douro, with a silky texture, fine tannins, and a firm structure, with an enveloping blend of fruity, dense, and spicy aromas.
For avant-garde fathers – The year 2021 marks the first harvest of Quinta Nova Blanc de Noir Reserva, whose most recent edition dates back to 2022. This unique and avant-garde white reserve in the Douro comes from a red grape: one must climb the slopes of Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo to find a Tinta Roriz grape that, due to its altitude, benefits from greater freshness and linearity. The end result is a powerful wine on the palate and, at the same time, delicate on the nose, where citrus notes go hand in hand with white stone fruit.
For irreverent fathers – It’s not just because of the unusual label, which represents the sketch of the Taboadella cellar design drawn with Chinese ink, but also because of its irreverent profile. The 2021 harvest of Grande Villae White from Taboadella recently hit the market with a bolder blend: 100% Encruzado from distinct plots, with average altitudes of 500 meters and exposures to the west and south. The sandy silty granite soil gave rise to a wine distinguished by its granitic minerality. A complex and very elegant white wine, which fermented and aged 20% in cement tanks, and the rest in 500-liter French oak barrels. A pioneering wine that is setting new trends in the Dão region.
For tradition-loving fathers – The single-varietal Taboadella Reserva Touriga Nacional 2020, an autochthonous grape of Dão, reflects the personality of the region through notes of violets that mark the nose, but also black spice, aromas that join surprising complexity. A suggestion from Taboadella for those who are fans of honoring the traditions of wine-producing regions.
For wonderful fathers – Because all fathers are wonderful, the suggestions could not be complete without the flagship of Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo: the Mirabilis Red 2021, which has small clusters and singular berries from old and centennial vines as raw material. Texture and density are part of the DNA of this reference. Inspired by the great wines of the world, it results from a careful selection of the best plots and a manicured harvest. It is an unrepeatable wine that only mirrors viticultural years of extreme quality. Intense in aromas, three-dimensional, and with enormous physical persistence, the Mirabilis red is synonymous with celebrating tradition and its reinvention, the hands that shape it, and the desire to go further in search of ‘something wonderful’.
Father’s Day and Easter Celebrated with Special Offers at Vila Galé Hotels
14/03/2024The prestigious hotel group Vila Galé invites you to celebrate Father’s Day and Easter with unique experiences at some of its hotels in Portugal.
For Father’s Day, between March 16th and 24th, Vila Galé offers a special opportunity to enjoy a family lunch or dinner, where wine is on the house! This exclusive offer also includes a €20 voucher to be redeemed on a future stay. Valid for lunch or dinner reservations for at least 2 people accompanied by at least one child, during the specified period. Each adult is entitled to a glass of wine selected by Vila Galé. Offer not combinable with other promotions.
But the surprises don’t stop there. During Easter time, visitors have even more reasons to venture on a getaway, whether in the city, countryside, beach, or mountains. Vila Galé has prepared a series of special activities for the whole family, including a fun Easter egg hunt for the little ones and a special menu for these festive days.
For more information and reservations, please contact us at 212 460 650 or via email at vilagale@info.vilagale.com.
José de Sousa Winery and José Maria da Fonseca Museum House with activities for Father’s Day
14/03/2024Father’s Day is coming and José Maria da Fonseca’s wine tourism units – Adega José de Sousa and Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca – are prepared to offer a unique experience to families. On the weekends of March 16th and 17th and 23rd and 24th, children will have the opportunity to create a personalized label for a bottle of wine, which they can then give to their parents.
Located in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Adega José de Sousa offers guided tours, allowing the discovery of two wineries that combine tradition with innovation. In the historic Adega dos Potes, with its 114 clay amphorae and two presses for crushing the grapes, visitors can check out the ancient methods of wine fermentation, while in the modern Adega, with its 44 stainless steel tanks, the technology is fundamental to achieving excellence. Keeping alive a tradition started by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, Adega José de Sousa is truly unique in the world.
On the other hand, at Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, a 19th century building located in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão and restored in 1923 by Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi, the highlights of the guided tour vary according to visitors’ preferences. Some are enchanted by the majestic garden, while others prefer to explore the Adegas da Mata, Teares Novos and Teares Velhos. The latter includes the much-desired “Frasqueira”, where José Maria da Fonseca keeps its oldest Moscatéis de Setúbal, some over 100 years old.
After visiting the wineries, children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by designing a personalized label, which will then be applied to a bottle of wine to give to their parents. Additionally, adults can enjoy a tasting of two wines, while children will have the opportunity to try two fruit juices. Both tastings will be accompanied by regional products, such as sausages, cheese, olive oil and Alentejo bread.
Father’s Day Program
José de Sousa Winery, Reguengos de Monsaraz
José Maria da Fonseca Museum House, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão
On the weekends of March 16th and 17th and 23rd and 24th, at 11am and 3pm
Price per adult: 15 euros
Price per child (3 to 17 years old): 10 euros
Family price (2 adults + 2 children): 45 euros
VAT included
The entry price includes a visit to the winery, wine tasting for adults, two juices for children and regional products and the offer of a bottle of wine per registered child, with a personalized label designed by the child. Includes colored pencils and drawings for children.
Subject to availability and advance booking.
Reservations: Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | +351 212 198 940. Visiting times: Every day – 11am and 3pm
Adega José de Sousa, josedesousa@jmfonseca.pt | | +351 918 269 569, Visiting times: Every day – 11am and 3pm
Sogevinus’ suggestions for Valentine’s Day include a special Rosé, gift packs and personalized bottles
13/03/2024For the Valentine’s Day dinner, the Sogevinus group suggests one of its most romantic, seductive and elegant wines, São Luiz Winemaker’s Collection Rosé, which promises to highlight the flavors of the romantic meal, as well as the atmosphere of passion. Breadth and complexity are adjectives that go well with this decidedly gastronomic wine, which goes well with sea dishes, such as seafood or fish, but also with white meats and medium-intensity cheeses. This rosé is available in specialized wine stores and at Uva WineShop (https://pt.uvawineshop.com/), where it will have a special 20% discount until February 14th. Still during this period, in this store, but with a 15% discount, you can also find special gift packs from the Sogevinus group, ideal to offer as a gift to your better half or to toast as a couple on Valentine’s Day.
Two proposals in particular stand out, one with Port wine and the other with DOC Douro wine, both with special packaging. The DOC Douro pack consists of a bottle of Quinta da Boa-Vista Douro Reserva Red (2019) and a glass, costing €47. The Port wine suggestion includes a kit with a bottle of 20 year old Tawny and two glass goblets with the Cálem logo, worth €49.50. For those who are fans of Port wine and want to offer a personalized gift, you can also customize an iconic Kopke bottle, with special messages and declarations of love, free of charge until February 14th. All information available at UVA WineShop (https://pt.uvawineshop.com/).