Best Wine Tourism Celebration Supports Traditions, Local Cuisine, and Gastronomic Products from Ribatejo
12/04/2024Gala Dinner of the APENO – AGEAS Seguros 2024 National Wine Tourism Award, held this year in Ribatejo, will be catered by chef Rodrigo Castelo, owner of the Ó Balcão restaurant in Santarém, recently awarded a Michelin star. The region’s gastronomic products will also be showcased through Qualifica OriGIn Portugal, an association that values, qualifies, defends, promotes, and dignifies the identity of traditional Portuguese products.
Aware that event sustainability also involves community engagement and the valorization of local products, the National Wine Tourism Award, organized by the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association (APENO) on May 24, 2024, at Quinta dos Anjos in Santarém, has decided to call upon a local chef to prepare the dinner for what is already the national benchmark event in Wine Tourism.
Owner of the ‘Ó Balcão’ restaurant – founded in 2013 in downtown Santarém – Rodrigo Castelo draws inspiration from traditional flavors to create his signature cuisine: “The choice of chef couldn’t be better. I’ve known Rodrigo Castelo’s work for many years and I am well aware of his efforts in promoting the autochthonous products of Ribatejo. I am sure that the dinner dishes will focus on flavors that will enhance the region,” revealed Maria João de Almeida, President of the Portuguese Wine Tourism Association. Rodrigo Castelo, in turn, is motivated to take on this challenge. “Being the chef of this dinner, which rewards the best national Wine Tourism, is an excellent challenge, where the region’s products will also shine,” promises the chef.
But before the party, there will be time to sample some traditional Ribatejo products through a small showcase organized by Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal, an association that brings together highly qualified Portuguese producers. “Qualifica/oriGIn Portugal is the Portuguese branch of the global oriGIn network, representing about 600 producer groups of products with GI (Geographical Indication) from more than 40 countries,” reveals Ana Soeiro, Executive Director of Qualifica/ Origin Portugal. “In Portugal, the promotion of traditional products and gastronomic valorization make even more sense because we have a very rich cuisine, based on high-quality products made by producers who are passionate about what they do. Being present at events like this makes perfect sense because it’s an audience that understands the concept and importance of that same quality,” concludes the spokesperson. It is also worth noting that the showcase of products from Qualifica OriGIn Portugal members will take place during the welcome drink organized by CVR do Tejo, complemented by wines from the region.
Aiming to promote local traditions, the National Wine Tourism Award did not forget culture and, with the support of CVR Tejo, promotes local traditions with a fandango show, a traditional dance dating back to the 18th century. Originating from Spain with Arab reminiscences, fandango has also taken root in Portugal, and it is in Ribatejo that it has its greatest expression. Throughout its history, it has been danced in noble halls or popular theaters, in streets, fairs, parties, and taverns, usually between men and women, between pairs of men or pairs of women. In those olden times, it was also danced in the countryside, in front of trees. And the most skilled even tried their luck at ‘fandangoing’ in taverns, with a glass of wine on their head, without spilling it. Now it will be their turn to show their skills at Quinta dos Anjos, at the National Wine Tourism Award event.
The APENO / Ageas Seguros National Wine Tourism Award (2024) will take place on May 24, 2024, starting at 6 p.m., at Quinta dos Anjos, in Santarém. As the name suggests, it is sponsored by the well-known insurer, and also has the sponsorship of the Alentejo and Ribatejo Regional Tourism Entity; the Municipality of Santarém; the Network of Wine Cities; and recognized companies such as Grupo Amorim, Schott Zwiesel; Alug’Aqui, Gifts4Wine, Âncora Gold, MCoutinho, Biosphere, Abreu Advogados, and YonWine. Finally, it also has the institutional support of the Institute of Vine and Wine and will have EXAME magazine as its media partner.
A special rosé launched by Casa Relvas
10/04/2024Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom, the new rosé produced by Casa Relvas, is born from the enormous desire of the Casa Relvas team to produce a top-of-the-range rosé, which conveys, in its aromas and flavors, the terroir where its grapes are born. Rosé wines constitute a very important segment in Casa Relvas’ production, and are therefore of great importance to the producer, and here the challenge was to create a rosé that showcased the quality of the vineyards. The result is a wine with elegance and creaminess, which will certainly liven up the new season that has just arrived.
Produced at the foot of the Serra do Mendro, in Vidigueira, on clay-limestone soils, this wine is the result of several years’ viticultural work, of various experiments in the vineyard and in the cellar, leading to the result that the Alentejo producer now presents. The new rosé, which aged 10% for four months in French oak barrels, was produced from the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Syrah grape varieties.
Light pink in color with salmon tones, Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom has fresh aromas of red fruits and citrus, and in the mouth it is intense, enveloping and fresh, with plenty of creaminess and minerality. With warm weather approaching, we recommend pairing it with grilled fish, seafood, sushi and salads and, above all, with good company!
Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom 2023 is the result of a year of exceptional quality at Casa Relvas. The spring was very dry with no disease pressure. The vines were comfortable with their water needs during the beginning of the growing season, as temperatures were quite low. During the summer, and during the ripening period, temperatures were normal without heat waves. Maturation was slow, promising a unique and highly complex harvest, which allowed the production of this rosé.
“Casa Relvas Rose Pom-Pom 2023” is now available on the market with a RRP of €15, for sale in wine stores, specialty stores and restaurants across the country.
Discover the winemaking tradition at Herdade do Rocim
03/04/2024The winemaking tradition is lived intensely at Herdade do Rocim, in Vidigueira. With a varied proposal for wine tourists, the estate presents the ‘Amphora Wine Tour’, an extension of the already acclaimed ‘Amphora Wine Day’ event. The objective of this tour is to immerse visitors in the ancient art of carved wine production, a tradition rooted in local culture. Joining the hosts are some of the most renowned producers in the region, sharing knowledge and experiences that span generations. «Wine is part of our culture, our roots and our origin», says Pedro Ribeiro, the winemaker at Herdade do Rocim. «Each of us is curious to explore the science behind the art of creating a wine, from aromas to taste, unveiling the different phases that culminate in a personalized and unique blend».
In the ‘menu’ of activities, visitors also have the unique opportunity to create their own wine, under the guidance of Herdade do Rocim’s experienced winemaking team. A true immersion in the world of Alentejo viticulture. Lunch or dinner with traditional Alentejo cuisine is also possible, paired with a selection of Herdade do Rocim’s award-winning wines.
Visiting the Estate is not just about wine production. Visitors can explore the winery’s entire production area, relax in the wine bar and browse the products in the on-site store. An obligatory stop is the estate’s educational vineyard, where it is possible to discover some of the region’s emblematic grape varieties. Reservations at www.rocim.pt
Palacete Silva Monteiro, from CVR dos Vinhos Verdes, hosts the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition
02/04/2024Between April 3rd and 13th, Casa do Vinho Verde – Palacete Silva Monteiro, where the CVR dos Vinhos Verdes is headquartered, hosts the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition, an exhibition of architecture and interior design that invites 13 renowned professionals to recreate spaces of the nineteenth-century palace and tell the story of 13 characters created to lend a narrative to each room.
During the 10 days of the event, the program includes showcookings, tastings of Vinhos Verdes, Fado, performing arts, live painting, art auctions, among other proposals tailored to a Royal Edition that reinterprets the bourgeois life of Porto in the second half of the nineteenth century.
With the aim of promoting premium brands and professionals nationally and internationally, the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition – a registered trademark of the exhibition of architecture and interior design – features Miguel Costa Cabral, Nuska Themudo (Open Life), Sandra Pinto and Miguel Ferraz (Casa 23), Ana Paiva, Geotoni, Geovani Prado and António Aroso, Cristina Archer and Nelma Serpa Pinto (The Studio Interiores), Paula Franzini, Ana Lencastre (Lencastre Interior Design), Patrícia Nascimento da Fonseca and Maria J. Carneiro (Sete Chaves), Fabián Pellegrinet Conte, Ginha Teixeira Pinto (DonaVila), Carlos Santos and Margarida Ferreira da Silva (AM Living), and Sónia Carvalho (Dama de Paus) materializing the various concepts worked on within the scope of the characters.
Number 318 Rua da Restauração, in Porto, becomes the temporary residence of Don Francisco de Guzman (epicurean and bullfighting aficionado), the Countess of Ponthieu, Florence Marie Louise (producer of sparkling wines), Bagu Simbá Mussu and Dandara Menelik Tutu (exiles from Djibouti and descendants of the Queen of Sheba), Argus Kiryl Maximus (sole Greek descendant of the Gattelusio family and passionate about History, Music, and Cuisine), Ludvic Constance Timothe (Belgian nobleman, chief perfumer for several European royal houses), Sebastião de Santa Maria (descendant of Count Silva Monteiro and heir to the art of hospitality that the legacy of the mansion entails), Laura Federica Antonelli Grimaldi Constantini e Lancellotti (passionate about gardens, visiting Porto for an exhibition and camellias), Ingrid Martha (young European princess who renounced royalty to dedicate herself to yoga and Hinduism), Viscountess of Terylene, Eleanor Victoria Whinfield (young English fashion influencer), Archibaldo Diego Alvarez Garcia (art collector and chocolate enthusiast, Cocoa King in the Cusco region – Peru), Frederik Lorenzo de Berry, Marquis of Bruinisse (natural sailor of Dutch origin), Baroness of Céligny, Anna Justine Desirée (chocoholic and interested in developing a business with the Cocoa King), and Sir Albert Stuart George (breeder of greyhounds and Cleveland Bay horses), characters created by Dina Souto Rosa, mentor and promoter of the event, to inspire the decoration and recreation of the various spaces and tell different stories to visitors.
“The Casa do Vinho Verde opens its doors to the 6th edition of Sleep In – Royal Edition in the year that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Count Silva Monteiro, giving new life to the mansion and occupying the various rooms with stories of characters who could perfectly have attended the Count’s soirées. As a historic house in the city of Porto, it is important to host an event that brings together major names in architecture and interior decoration and welcomes visitors from various nationalities who seek to learn more about our history and other inspirations, associating the wines of the Region, showcookings, and a program that allows discovering new details on each visit,” highlights Dora Simões, President of the Board of Directors of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV).
Sleep In – Royal Edition is supported by the Porto City Council, Ágora – Culture and Sport of the Porto Municipality, the Portuguese Association of Furniture and Related Industries (APIMA), and CVRVV. Daily, between 3 pm and 9 pm, visitors can discover the proposals of architects and decorators and participate in the program’s activities. Tickets are available at Ticketline (5€).
Symington promotes Graham’s and Altano with the best in tennis
28/03/2024Cocktails and wine tastings are some of the offers from the family’s brands, which are once again official partners of the event. This year, the Millennium Estoril Open welcomes, once again, some of the best players in the tennis world for another edition, which will take place from March 30th to April 7th, with the presence of Hubert Hurkacz and Casper Ruud, both in the world top 10, joined by the Portuguese João Sousa and Nuno Borges. Symington will once again be present at the event, promoting the Graham’s and Altano brands – official partners – with the best of tennis. With the purpose of providing moments of relaxation between matches, Graham’s and Altano return to the Estoril Tennis Club with spaces dedicated to tasting wine and cocktails, and sharing experiences, combining the best of tennis with the best of wines from the Porto and DOC Douro.
Wine, socializing and prizes. The ‘Altano Cup’ space offers visitors, who will be able to find an activation related to the sport. Throughout the tournament, tennis fans will be approached and invited to interact and participate in challenges, with the chance to win various prizes. The bar area is the brand’s proposal for relaxing and enjoying breaks from the competition. At this meeting point for conviviality, visitors will be able to chat while enjoying a glass of wine, with the entire range of the Altano brand available for tasting.
At Graham’s Cocktail Bar, the renowned Port wine house promises to surprise fans of the sport – and wine – with an irreverent approach to the drink. In this space, located outside the central court and made up of chairs and sun loungers, visitors will have the opportunity to rest between matches while tasting cocktails created from Graham’s Blend Series wines: Porto Branco Blend Nº5 and Porto Ruby Blend Nº12. The brand will also be present in the VIP area, with the Premium Wine Bar, where it will be possible to discover all the references in the Symington family’s wine portfolio.
Regarding the presence of the two brands as official partners, Vicky Symington – from the fifth generation of the family and manager of the Graham’s brand – states: «it is always a pride for the Port wine house to be present at this very important event for the celebration of tennis in Portugal, closely following and contacting, once again, all the enthusiasts of the sport who will visit the Estoril Tennis Club». Cláudia Monteiro, Altano’s brand manager, highlights: «Altano has been following the Estoril Open for several editions, so the reunion between the brand and the public is always great, promoting moments of interaction and tasting».
‘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.