Text João Barbosa | Translation Jani Dunne

For reasons I don’t need to mention, I have undergone face-to-face therapy and psychoanalysis. My experience doesn’t suit that joke about the patient that talks so much – which may be the case with many other people – that he puts the physician to sleep, makes them yawn or zone out and think about their shopping list.

Absolutely not. My therapist, who will remain anonymous, is the best in the world! Not that I have seen every psychoanalyst in the world, but because it’s the truth. And the truth is the truth – it’s undeniable, even if members of an investigation suggest otherwise. Like mothers: “the best in the world!”

Any good therapist will know what I mean. It helps to have somebody – who is not a part of the family or in our circle of friends, nor a work-colleague – to give us non-binding advice and acts as our mirror, asking us questions and making us think.

Whoever said that depression, nervous breakdowns or addictions cannot be (partly or entirely) healed with the help of a specialist has no idea what they are talking about. Some say that those are typical problems among rich people, lazy people or fools, etc.

No! No! And No! But one thing is for certain: you cannot be cured after five sessions. It’s expensive. But expensive is subjective. If you have a specific illness and your treatment costs a lot of money, that money never comes into the equation. However, it will be a significant sum. Each to their own pocket and each psychologist to their own price-per-appointment.

Psychologists will never replace family or friends. Although a strong emotional and affective bond is made, the psychologist is a specialised professional.

Besides, friends are like wine. I am using “wine” throughout this piece because it’s how I’m linked to Blend, but I should really be saying “alcohol”. Friends are supportive but they don’t help you heal. It’s the same with wine. A party without wine is an instant bore – of course some people overdo it and some people, because of alcoholism, can’t even touch it.

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Wine is joyful, it unleashes us, breaks the ice and makes us laugh. Don’t you enjoy have a chat with four friends? “Me, my friend and two glasses.” I think getting drunk, now and again, can be a good thing. As long as it’s only now-and-again, and as long as that you don’t get behind the wheel or go near heavy-duty machines afterwards.

We may have friends or mates in the workplace, but work is one thing and friends will be friends. In our job, we are trying to fulfil a mission, which we get paid for every month.

What I wrote above about “hygienic” inebriation is completely questionable and deemed reprehensible by many. It’s not a dogma. A friend who lends a shoulder to cry on or a cheerful hug can be just as clumsy a solution as over-drinking, despite the generosity.

Does wine help you forget? It may get some weight off, but it won’t erase your memory. Wine can throw a party? – Certainly not on its own. Wine, for an oenophile like me, is a friend. It’s not a spouse, though; it’s not the one you share your bed with, or your table, chores and bills.

Many doctors say that a glass of wine with meals (or just the one meal) is good for you. They always recommend a red, so I suspect it must be some kind of particle on the skin. If so, maybe grapes are healthier.

Another problem – a very serious one and a gateway to alcoholism – is to quench your thirst with wine. Alcohol, besides the fact that it creates all sorts of states of mind, is bad if taken in excess – whether in the short or in the long term. Furthermore, it dehydrates.

Water is the best thirst-quenching drink. You can’t beat it. Water is the best drink in the world. Wine can turn out to be a good friend or bad company; it’s a friend, it doesn’t fix the problem. To fix things, what you need is water and a psychologist.

Text João Barbosa | Translation Jani Dunne

Some phrases are just so funny, and we hear them so often that we hardly ever think about what they really mean… For instance “A close cut with Campo de Ourique” (similar to “By the skin of your teeth”) is a referral to a seaquake in 1755, that almost went up the hill in Campo de Ourique. This phrase is enough; I am not here to write a book.

In the world of cuisine – out of which I focus solely on wine or other drinks – there are equally useful expressions and, when in a rush to find the right words, a few often drown.

My favourite expression is “pool wine”. What an image – even if it isn’t a pool filled with actual wine. The heat, the sun, family and friends… Just grand! But… Does any of us own a pool or even know anybody with a private pool?

I’m afraid I don’t have a pool – personal misfortune. Another good scene for wine is after the beach, when the ladies wrap themselves up in cloths of washed-out colours and men pull a pullover over their heads and then contort to the sound of the rough salt, cotton and hair put together.

Stretched out on the terrace chairs – everything is allowed while on holiday – watching the sun set into the sea, drinking “a wine for the end of a day at the beach”. Just grand! But… Can any of us bear a glass of wine between leaving the sand and walking into our home? Well, besides the driving issues… At the dinner table, It’s a different story. But “a wine for the end of a day at the beach”?

Anyway – “Pool wine” and “a wine for the end of a day at the beach” are amazing phrases. Why do they come about? Well, the new wine collection by João Portugal Ramos is out, of course. It’s a must!

Pouca Roupa, or “Barely Clothed”! Two words to shorten what already was short. “Pool wine” and “a wine for the end of a day at the beach”. I confess, when I first heard about Pouca Roupa, I dreamt up a whole range: Bikini (bi-varietal), Monokini (single cast), Trikini (three, of course)… As for G-string and trunks, well… And then Nudity, once it’s empty.

What hides behind this brand and its shades of black, white and pink? It does get straight to the point: an easy catch. All of them, some happier, some not as happy – all to be expected. All three are Regional Alentejano and come from the 2014 harvest.

Pouca Roupa red 2014

Pouca Roupa red 2014 is seasoned with Dão… OK, touriga nacional. Touriga nacional belongs to the world, which means it also belongs to Alentejo, where it takes up a lot of land. The field blend also includes alfrocheiro and alicante bouschet.

Here is what I have to say: 14% alcohol is too much. As long as the acidity takes on the alcohol, our body doesn’t care. If we think “barely clothed”, the alcohol proof is high. I would only point my finger at the alcohol proof. Otherwise, it is quite pleasant.

Pouca Roupa white 2014

Pouca Roupa white 2014 is a different kind of Alentejo wine, with Viosinho, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho grapes composing a symphony to our senses. Once again, good acidity and good with light meals. I bow to its 12.5% alcohol.

Pouca Roupa Rosé 2014

Pouca Roupa Rosé 2014 was made from touriga nacional, aragonês and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Greedy! The acidity is more than enough for its 13% alcohol. Although, “barely clothed” in mind, this seems like a slightly exaggerated proof.

All we have to do now is hope that Spring is gentle and that the Summer is a good friend; that the time for pleasure does not mean a bad time for the crops. My first recommendation went to a friend with a pool.

Contacts
João Portugal Ramos Vinhos S.A.
Vila Santa
7100-149 Estremoz
Portugal
Tel.: (+351) 268 339 910
Fax.: (+351) 268 339 918
E-mail: info@grandesvinhos.com
Website: www.jportugalramos.com