Ventozelo Winery Celebrates Hunting Season with New Game Dishes
29/10/2024To mark the opening of hunting season, Cantina de Ventozelo is continuing its monthly initiative to celebrate regional and seasonal products with the introduction of new dishes dedicated to lovers of game. Under the guidance of Chef José Guedes, partridge and wild boar take center stage this month as a tribute to the hunting tradition in the Douro region.
More than 400 hectares of Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta are dedicated to vineyards, but the river and forest also play significant roles in the estate’s life. It is no surprise, therefore, that hunting and the game reserve have been important aspects of its history for over 500 years, even before the vineyards and wine became prominent. Historical documents even include a 1910 decree defining the forest perimeter and establishing a game reserve on the “Quinta de Ventosello”.
In 2024, the Cantina de Ventozelo restaurant honors this historical legacy by showcasing game dishes. “My main goal with this monthly initiative to celebrate regional and seasonal products is to highlight both what is produced on the estate and the region’s heritage,” explains Chef José Guedes. Throughout October, game will take center stage, with three new additions to the daily lunch menu: Marinated Partridge (€12), Creamy River Fish Rice (€22), and Wild Boar Stew in Douro Wines (€24). The main menu will also feature two classic dishes already available year-round: Game Tart with Greens (€12) and Wild Boar Stew (€6).
This initiative by the Cantina de Ventozelo restaurant began in March of this year with a celebration of pig slaughter. Scheduled to run until the end of 2024, it manifests itself in special menus and additional activities such as themed tastings or live demonstrations of techniques and products, ranging from beefsteak tomatoes to the harvest, including hunting and olive picking (scheduled for November).
Open to guests and the general public, Cantina de Ventozelo, which occupies the very spot where farm workers were once served meals, continues under the guidance of Chef José Guedes to bring local gastronomy and traditional Douro recipes to life.
Cockburn’s Prepares a Spooky Surprise for Halloween
22/10/2024Halloween is just around the corner, and Cockburn’s is getting ready to host another edition of its ‘Fright Night’. With the tagline ‘Follow the Whispers’, this event will challenge the bravest souls to explore the historic Cockburn’s Caves – owned by Symington Family Estates – on the nights of October 30th (English tour) and 31st (Portuguese tour) at 9:30 PM. As usual, the tour will culminate in a tasting of three wines from this renowned Port house.
While the idea may seem intimidating, the concept is simple: explore the historic Port wine aging warehouse – the largest in the historic area of Vila Nova de Gaia – during the scariest night of the year. Cockburn’s history is full of mysteries, and one of the most unusual ways to discover them is in the silence of the night, by lantern light. To calm the most frightened hearts, the visit will end with a tasting of three Cockburn’s wines: Tails of Unexpected Ruby Soho, Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage, and Cockburn’s Special Reserve.
For those brave enough, participation in ‘Fright Night’ costs €20 per person and requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance. To participate, guests must bring a flashlight or smartphone. More information is available on the Cockburn’s website (www.cockburns.com/visit-us), by email (cockburnslodge@cockburns.com), or by phone (+351 913 007 950).
APENO LAUNCHES WINE TOURISM TV TO BOOST SECTOR’S INTERNATIONALIZATION
21/10/2024WITH TOURISM DECENTRALIZATION AND INCREASED PORTUGUESE WINE EXPORTS IN FOCUS,
APENO LAUNCHES WINE TOURISM TV TO BOOST SECTOR’S INTERNATIONALIZATION
PORTUGUESE WINE TOURISM GENERATES €800 MILLION IN REVENUE IN 2023
Portuguese wine tourism now has a new online TV channel, launched by APENO – the Portuguese Association of Wine Tourism. Wine Tourism TV was created with the aim of promoting the sector internationally and attracting visitors to lesser-known regions of Portugal.
Officially launched today at the Hotel Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos, the first channel entirely dedicated to national wine tourism is part of APENO’s internationalization strategy. The platform aims to communicate, in a creative and educational way, the richness and diversity of Portuguese wine tourism, positioning Portugal as a reference destination for wine lovers and industry professionals.
APENO has already invested around €100,000 in the first phase of the project, which involved the creation of the platform and the production of the first programs.
Wine Tourism TV, with all programming subtitled in English, is aimed at both domestic and international wine tourists, as well as companies, entities in the wine and tourism sectors, and specialized journalists.
Initially, the channel will feature two programs — “Wine Tourism World” and “Wine Tourism Talks” — as well as a weekly news program, “Wine Tourism News”. “Wine Tourism Talks” will also be available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Google Podcast, and Apple Podcast.
This project was born out of the need for a dedicated communication channel for wine tourism, both in Portugal and abroad.
“We want to showcase that Portuguese wine tourism is one of the best in the world. Besides the quality of our wines, the Portuguese are masters of hospitality,” says Maria João de Almeida, president of APENO.
In addition to attracting younger audiences, the association’s president highlights the goal of combating tourism seasonality by promoting activities throughout the year.
With Wine Tourism TV, APENO aims to ensure greater agility in the creation and dissemination of content for the sector, increasing penetration in strategic markets such as the USA, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
The president also highlights that the platform will contribute to the decentralization of tourism, promoting lesser-known wine regions and boosting regional economic development
“Beyond promoting tourism decentralization, this channel will be a showcase for the quality of our wines. By reaching importers, distributors, and foreign consumers, we also hope to boost exports of Portuguese wine,” adds Maria João de Almeida.
In addition to promoting wine regions, Wine Tourism TV aims to attract new investments to the sector, with a view to creating new infrastructure and improving existing ones.
A new era for wine tourism in Portugal is dawning
With annual visitor numbers reaching approximately 3 million, according to Turismo de Portugal, the sector has experienced substantial growth. The launch of Wine Tourism TV is expected to propel this growth further, capitalizing on the global trend of valuing cultural and gastronomic experiences.
In 2023, wine tourism accounted for 4.2% of tourism’s contribution to the national GDP, generating a turnover of €800 million. APENO estimates that this value will increase to 5% by the end of 2024.
The Wine Tourism TV platform is already preparing to expand into new languages and formats, including live events, virtual tours, and even a marketplace for members. Premium content areas, merchandising, and distribution on TV operators such as NOS, MEO, and Vodafone, as well as transportation companies like CP and TAP, social media, and travel websites are also planned.
With a program that includes visits to wine tourism companies, interviews with industry professionals, weekly news, and much more, Wine Tourism TV promises to be an essential tool for increasing the visibility of Portuguese wine tourism, positioning the country as a leading international destination. ‘Wine Tourism TV will showcase the best of Portugal and contribute to a new era in wine tourism,’ concludes Maria João de Almeida.”
Urban Wine Tourism: Tomar City Embraces the Debut of the Tejo a Copo Event
21/10/2024The first edition of TOMAR um Tejo a Copo was a resounding success. With over 700 attendees, the event was sold out, and the joy was palpable on the faces of both producers and consumers alike. It was particularly heartwarming to see families at the event, which, in addition to wine, offered a selection of gastronomic delights courtesy of the newly opened Vila Galé Collection Tomar.
“With six editions under its belt, Tejo a Copo is already a much-loved event among locals, especially wine enthusiasts. This year, for the first time, we decided to organize a second event, moving the location from Santarém to Tomar. We had high expectations, both the Tejo Regional Wine Commission (CVR Tejo) and Tomar City Council, but the first edition always holds a surprise. Despite the forecast of bad weather, we were fortunate to have a full house and a sunny afternoon, allowing attendees to enjoy the outdoor space right in front of the Vila Galé Collection Tomar. It was undoubtedly a winning bet. We are convinced that the Tejo wines need events like this, where consumers can interact directly with producers, enjoying tastings accompanied by the stories behind each wine,” said Luís de Castro, President of the CVR Tejo.
Twenty-four producers participated in TOMAR um Tejo a Copo 2024, eight of them from the Tomar municipality, with some making their debut at a Tejo a Copo event.
The program also included three wine tastings led by sommelier, consultant, and Tejo Wine Ambassador Rodolfo Tristão. The tastings focused on ‘Fernão Pires, the Queen of Tejo Grapes’, ‘Castelão, the Red Emblem of Tejo’, and ‘Wines of Tomar: the Essence of Terroir’. The keen and engaged audience filled the space, and the shop also experienced peak attendance, indicating that visitors enjoyed the wines and chose some to take home, extending their Tejo wine tasting experience. The Tejo Wine Route, with its year-round online shop, offered special prices, a cloth bag with the purchase of two or more bottles, and free shipping within mainland Portugal for purchases of six or more bottles.
José Maria da Fonseca Auctions Rare Moscatel Wines
15/10/2024In its 190th anniversary year, José Maria da Fonseca is releasing a limited-edition, commemorative Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924. Of the 190 numbered bottles produced, only 100 will be auctioned. As the oldest producer of Moscatel de Setúbal, José Maria da Fonseca has inherited a unique and unparalleled heritage of this generous wine. This century-old vintage, crafted using the same methods and techniques employed by the company at its founding in 1834, stands out for its quality and nobility.
The auction will take place on October 17th at the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. This limited and rare century-old wine has captivated wine experts, collectors, and those passionate about wine history and culture. To celebrate this unique release, the José Maria Fonseca House Museum is hosting a dinner in the winery, limited to 100 guests, before the auction. To attend the dinner and participate in the auction, which is being conducted by Palácio do Correio Velho, there is a fee of €100.
In addition to the 1924 vintage, the auction will feature 36 lots of other old vintages of Moscatel de Setúbal from years such as 1928, 1934, 1945, 1960, and 1962. Two of the final auction lots reflect the authenticity and history of this legacy: a commemorative Moscatel de Setúbal edition celebrating SL Benfica’s European Championship wins in 1961 and 1962, designed by Nuno Gama, and a bottle of the iconic Apótheose Bastardinho.
The sixth and seventh generations of the Soares Franco family came together to select the Moscatel that would best mark this celebration of nearly two centuries of history and tradition. From a vast array of options, they chose the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924, which was classified with the most noble letter and stood out the most – the designation of “Superior”.
António Maria Soares Franco, Co-CEO of José Maria da Fonseca and a member of the 7th generation of the family, stated, “Holding this auction in our 190th anniversary year reinforces our company’s commitment to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of producing unique wines, with a particular focus on Moscatel de Setúbal. As inheritors of this heritage, we have a duty not only to preserve it but also to share it. Auctions provide a unique moment for sharing, interaction, and appreciation.”
José Maria da Fonseca possesses an unparalleled heritage of Moscatel de Setúbal, and with it, a great responsibility to preserve not only the collection of vintages that carefully age in the Adega dos Teares Velhos but also the cultural and historical heritage of Moscatel de Setúbal production. Part of this culture remains alive through the continuation of traditions such as the centuries-old tastings and classifications of each vintage, which are still marked in certain categories, sometimes by letters, sometimes by words, as well as through the José Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setúbal Auctions.
Begun in the 19th century, these auctions were frequent until the first half of the 20th century. After several decades of hiatus, the 6th generation of the family revived the tradition in 2008 with the release of the Moscatel Roxo Superior 1960. Following this return, releases took place in 2011 with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1955, in 2014 with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1911, and in 2018 with the Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal Superior 1918. For 2024, José Maria da Fonseca is immensely proud and honored to present a special commemorative edition with the Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924.
A catalog of all lots up for auction is available at: https://bit.ly/3XvMWVV
João Pires Introduces New Sparkling Wine
15/10/2024Renowned for its white wine made from Moscatel de Setúbal grapes, the João Pires brand continues to innovate with the launch of its first sparkling wine – the João Pires Brut 2022.
This sparkling wine stands out for its freshness and elegance, thanks to the grape variety that gives it its origin. Whether to accompany the upcoming festive seasons or for moments of conviviality with friends and family, João Pires Brut 2022 is the ideal choice for all occasions. From the 2022 harvest, this sparkling wine is a 100% Moscatel de Setúbal single varietal, just like the white wine, its most iconic reference of the brand that gives it its name. With a citrus color, João Pires Brut 2022 presents floral aromas, lychee, bakery, and biscuit. On the palate, its bubble is fine and the acidity is refreshing, with a similarly fresh and crisp finish. It is the perfect suggestion to serve as an aperitif or to accompany fish dishes, seafood, sushi, or desserts.
Considered one of the most iconic brands of José Maria da Fonseca, and produced since the 1970s, João Pires is one of the first white wines made exclusively with Moscatel de Setúbal, a grape variety that gives it a unique perfume and freshness. A wine that can be found in the usual supermarkets and also at the José Maria da Fonseca Wine Tourism, in Azeitão.
Chakall and Quinta da Atela Join Forces for a Wine Dinner Featuring the World’s Finest Meats
08/10/2024On November 6th, Chakall will host Quinta da Atela at his restaurant, La Panamericana, for a memorable wine dinner featuring the producer’s finest wines from Alpiarça. The menu will showcase some of the world’s most coveted meats, sourced from Argentina, Galicia, Ireland, Australia, America, and Japan.
Quinta da Atela is renowned for its single-varietal wines, and it’s these wines, under the Casa da Atela label, that will be paired with the premium cuts, prepared with the skill and expertise of the Portuguese-Argentine chef. The wine selection will include whites, rosés, and reds made from grapes such as Fernão Pires, Arinto, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Touriga Nacional, Castelão, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, as well as a Pinot Noir sparkling wine. To conclude the evening, guests will savor the Aguardente Capela da Atela Vínica Velhíssima (XO) 20 years, a true liquid treasure.
Inspired by the famous Pan-American Highway—a network of roads that spans more than 14 countries, from vibrant Argentina to icy Alaska—La Panamericana is the restaurant Chakall has long dreamed of creating and which he opened in June of this year. Here, the influences of all these cultures come to life on the plate, in a gastronomic journey that transcends borders. The restaurant is located in Belém, Lisbon, at 110 Avenida da Índia.
Priced at €150 per person, the Chakall x Quinta da Atela wine dinner has a limited seating of 15 guests. Reservations can be made by calling +351 969029521 or +351 243247648, or by emailing eventos@quintadaatela.pt.
New Casa de Santar Reserve Red Welcomes Autumn
02/10/2024Casa de Santar’s new reserve red wine is now available, making it the perfect companion for the first days of autumn.
The 2017 Casa de Santar Reserve Red boasts an intense garnet color with subtle brownish hues. Its flavor profile is fruity, smooth, balanced, and features a velvety finish. Ideal for pairing with matured cheeses and dishes from Mediterranean, Chinese, Indian, and African cuisines, this wine should be served between 16 and 18°C.
Crafted by winemaker Paulo Prior, this reserve from Casa de Santar is a blend of Touriga Nacional (50%), Alfrocheiro (25%), and Aragonez (25%). Its aroma is intense with notes of wild berries and spices, complemented by nuances of candied red fruits and toast. For those who prefer white wines, the 2021 Casa de Santar Reserve White is also an excellent choice. This fresh, fruity, unctuous, complex, and persistent wine should be served at 10°C. It’s perfect as an aperitif or paired with lightly seasoned dishes featuring fish, grilled white meats, and red meats. With a recommended retail price of €16.00, these Casa de Santar Reserve wines can be found in various wine shops and supermarkets across the country or online at 1990.wine.
Casa de Santar is one of the most iconic brands in the Dão region, and its wines carry a legacy spanning over 200 years. As a regional emblem, Casa de Santar is a benchmark in producing wines that preserve and reflect, in every bottle, a passion for the land, traditions, and the authenticity of grapes harvested from a unique terroir. Recognized both nationally and internationally, Casa de Santar’s wines and sparkling wines carry a centuries-old wisdom and have been praised by leading wine critics. With 103 hectares of vineyards in the Dão region, Casa de Santar’s most renowned plot is the Vinha dos Amores.
Ravasqueira Grande Reserva 2015: A Time-Honored Masterpiece
19/09/2024In Arraiolos, a land steeped in rich tradition and ancestry where the age-old art of tapestry intertwines with nature, a new treasure emerges: the Ravasqueira Grande Reserva Brut Nature 2015. Much like the renowned filigree pieces, this sparkling wine is the result of meticulous artisanal work, where patience and passion converge to create a masterpiece.
Nine years after harvest, this sparkling wine, crafted exclusively from the Alfrocheiro grape, boasts remarkable structure and balance. The extended aging on lees, coupled with rigorous grape selection, lends it a unique creaminess and structure, complemented by vibrant acidity and notes of crystallized fruit and mint.
Ravasqueira finds in the Alfrocheiro grape the potential for wines of great complexity. The small 1.7-hectare plot, cultivated since 2000, offers the ideal conditions for this variety, which expresses itself uniquely in this sparkling wine. “This is a wine we care for with great affection, like a work of art,” says David Baverstock, Chairman Winemaker at WineStone. “The extended aging and rigorous grape selection have allowed us to create a sparkling wine with a sophisticated gastronomic profile, perfect for accompanying special moments,” he concludes.
The Ravasqueira Grande Reserva 2015 is, therefore, a tribute to tradition and innovation. Each bottle tells a story of passion and dedication, reflected in the complexity and elegance of this sparkling wine. Notes of brioche, biscuit, and a persistent fine bubble invite a unique experience. With a limited production of 3,280 bottles, the Ravasqueira Grande Reserva 2015 is a wine for discerning wine lovers.
ODE Winery Unveils New 100% Alvarinho Wine
17/09/2024Vila Chã de Ourique, Santarém, Portugal – The winery, located in Vila Chã de Ourique, has just launched its newest wine – the Ode Alvarinho.
This excellent grape variety from the Vinho Verde region has adapted exceptionally well to the Tejo climate, resulting in a highly gastronomic wine with intense citrus and fruity aromas.
ODE Winery, in Vila Chã de Ourique, has expanded its portfolio to 12 references with the release of the new Ode Alvarinho. This is a gastronomic wine with citrus and fruity aromas such as pineapple, lychee, and lime, supported by notes of lemon thyme and green herbs. An excellent choice to accompany seafood, it also harmonizes well with more elaborate dishes from Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Indian cuisine due to its structure and perfect balance of acidity.
“We are very happy to present Ode Alvarinho, a wine that gave us great pleasure to produce. When we started the Ode wine project, we detected some vines of this variety that were weakened and needed to be recovered. In the first year, we sought to treat and monitor their evolution, which was remarkable, allowing us to produce the 1,500 bottles we now present, of exceptional quality and of which we are very proud. We hope that the vines continue to recover and that we can continue to produce more and better Alvarinho in the Tejo,” says Maria Vicente, winemaker at ODE Winery.
The grapes for Ode Alvarinho were selected and hand-harvested, then fermented and aged for 5 months in 500-liter Hungarian oak barrels. The wine has excellent aging potential in the bottle, continuing to gain complexity over the next 10 years. It has already been awarded three gold medals internationally at the Portugal Wine Trophy 2024, Vinarium International Wine Contest, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, respectively, and a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. It has also been recognized in the domestic market, winning Grand Gold at the Cidades do Vinho Competition and Gold at the XIV Vinhos do Tejo Competition.
To mark the launch of this new wine on August 1st, Alvarinho Day, ODE Winery will be hosting a special presentation at restaurants and bars in various locations across the country, giving customers the opportunity to taste this wine firsthand. There will be several locations participating in this initiative*, from north to south of the country, such as the restaurants Hikadashi (Lisboa), Boubou’s (Lisboa), O Balcão (Santarém), o Pátio da Graça (Santarém), Euskalduna (Porto), MISTU (Porto), or the bars Black Sheep (Lisboa), Imprensa (Lisboa) and Bago Wine Bar (Faro).
Ode Alvarinho has a recommended price of €31 and joins the 11 existing ODE references: the white wines Ode Semillon, Ode Viognier, Ode Fernão Pires, Ode Arinto, Ode Enóloga Arinto Fernão Pires; the Ode Rosé and the red wines Ode Touriga Nacional, Ode Quarteto, Ode Lagares Touriga Nacional, Ode Amphora Alicante Bouschet, Ode Única Touriga Nacional. It can be purchased online at Shop – ODE Winery, or at the Cellar Door restaurant, located at the winery, and soon in wine shops across the country.