Posts Tagged : Olga Cardoso

Murganheira – Sparkling wines of great quality

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Bruno Ferreira

The Caves da Murganheira are located in the Távora-Varosa region, where the Douro and Beira regions meet. These fertile lands of the Varosa Valley combine excellent climatic and geological conditions which are favorable to the creation of wines of superior quality, basis of the best Portuguese sparkling wines.

It was founded over 60 years ago and possesses 30 heactares of own vineyard but controls and monitors over 1000 hectares of associated grape suppliers.

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Vineyards – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

The care over the vineyard is huge and is at the hand of very experienced professionals whose knowledge origin is probably from the medieval wisdom of Cistercian Monks.

Murganheira is a company with a family basis. It was acquired by Orlando Lourenço in the mid-80’s and is now led by his sons Miguel and Herlander. The winemaking direction is also at the hands of a family member – his daughter in law Marta Lourenço.

It has a very well-equipped winery where strict winemaking processes are put in place, according to ancestral techniques that are permanently being perfected.

In addition to Caves da Murganheira the company also possesses Caves da Raposeira and the Tapada do Chaves property in Alentejo.

Murganheira’s sparkling wines age in their blue granite cellars, which provide a perfect environment for the wine’s evolution and guarantees all the authenticity that the brand got their consumers used to.

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The cellars – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

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The Cellars – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

There’s also place for the “Degorgement á la Volée”, which is the culmination of this whole process of preparation of sparkling wines of exceptional quality.

Murganheira’s fame is associated with quality but is also one of the domestic producers with a better graphic image, which is reflected in advertising campaigns, creative packaging and beautiful space for reception and tasting.

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The Tasting Room – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

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The Tasting Room – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

Their sparkling wines are separated into 3 categories or groups named special, classic and gastronomic, and all of them possess an excellent quality-price relation.

Elegant and full of character, Murganheira sparkling wines are produced based on the following grape varieties: Malvasia Fina, Gouveio Real, Cerceal, Chardonnay, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Pinot Noir.

Talking about all of them would be a herculean task and not suitable for the cyber world so I selected the four that surprised me the most.

MURGANHEIRA CHARDONNAY BRUTO 2008

Golden color and elegant perlage. Refined aroma with complexity, showing jam fruit, biscuit, flowers, in a tone that immediately shows empathy. In the mouth is creamy with good volume, soft and unctuous, very textured with a large and pleasant finish. A fine sparkling wine.

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Murganheira Chardonnay Bruto 2008 – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

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Murganheira Único Bruto 2008 – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

MURGANHEIRA ÚNICO BRUTO 2008

This sparkling wine is made from the grape variety Sauvignon Blanc and shows itslef very delicate in the nose with the grape variety a little bit hidden at first. In the mouth the grape variety appears with its vegetal flavors. Evident are also fruits like passion fruit and apricot as well as vanilla notes. Very balanced and concentrated this sparkling wine has a truly captivating mousse.

MURGANHEIRA CZAR CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUTO 2008

Salmon color with a nose marked by subtle aromas of red fruits joined by slightly smoked and resinous notes. The mouth is amazingly elegant and passionate with a very delicate mousse and the Pinot touches come with delicacy and sofistication. Murganheira Czar is a sparkling wine of outstanding quality.

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Murganheira Czar Cuvée Rosé Bruto 2008 – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

Blend-All-About-Wine-Caves da Murganheira-Vintage Bruto

Murganheira Vintage Bruto 2006 – Photo Provided by Murganheira | All Rights Reserved

MURGANHEIRA VINTAGE BRUTO 2006

Truly remarkable, it shows a nose marked by the Pinot Noir red fruits together with citric, biscuit and fine spices aromas. The mouth is colossally elegant. Engaging mousse and perfect acidity. All very delicate with tremendous glow and class. A world class Portuguese sparkling wine.

I strongly advise those who enjoy sparkling wines to get a deeper knowledge over the Murganheira‘s range. Their entry range have the capability of give great pleasure and the top-end range are remarkable sparkling wines full of finesse and category. Sparkling wines of superior quality.

To get to know Murganheira‘s universe better see here the company’s institutional video.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’s Country House & Spa – A place where quality reigns!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Bruno Ferreira

Located just a few miles from Beja, in Baixo Alentejo, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is a place of leisure and pleasure. The quality is present in every detail, even in the simplest… well, or at least apparently simple.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

Design objects, chairs and lighting by Philippe Starck, Charles & Ray Eames or Mariano Fortuny are present everywhere, but are, nevertheless, perfectly integrated in a rural environment. The fusion between design, rurality, comfort and elegance, appeal to senses and feelings.

At Malhadinha Nova you can enjoy experiences, moments, feelings or details, which will most certainly lead to a second visit.

Cooking with a renowned chef, learning the art of photography or painting, or even discovering the world of wine in an intimate way… these are some of the experiences offered to the visitors.

During my visit to the Herdade I was received in princely fashion, having been able to participate in a showcooking given by the Chef Consultant Michelin-starred Joachim Koerper and the resident Chef Bruno Antunes.

Joachim Koerper is passionate about southern European products, about their flavors, colors, aromas and textures. His philosophy is simple, like are all good things in life, he uses only natural and fresh products and works them with art and creativity.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

For that reason, the restaurant Malhadinha – Wine & Gourmet, which is integrated into the building’s cellar, offers a signature cuisine that favors the land products in modern interpretations. In this restaurant they always make a selection of fine dishes with flavors and irresistible aromas, which are duly accompanied by excellent wines from the Estate.

The oenology is in charge of Luis Duarte (Winemaker Consultant) and Nuno Gonzalez (Resident Winemaker). The consultant winemaker Luis Duarte is also a family friend. His remarkable career is closely linked to Herdade do Esporão. With many award-winning wines he was considered twice winemaker of the year in Portugal. Today he is one of the most renowned winemakers in the country having  remarkable results in consulting to some producers in the Alentejo. Nuno Gonzalez has a degree in biochemistry and has been specializing in viticulture and oenology. He has been in Australia, New Zealand, United States and Italy. In Portugal, he has in his résumé big name houses like José Maria da Fonseca, Niepoort and Cortes de Cima, among others.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova was born of a dream – the dream of producing a great wine, to produce the best wine in the world.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

For such contribute the unique conditions of space and the experience of over 10 years in the production of wines as well as the passion of the team involved. From these arose a remarkable range of reds, whites and rosés. Each wine tells its story in its own way.

The difference and uniqueness are also marked by the labels, fruit of the creativity of the younger generation of the Soares family. The wines are named after the children and they also draw the labels.

Herdade da Malhadinha‘s intensely fruity and highly complex in the mouth wines are a reflection of a huge respect for nature and all of the passion and dedication with which they are created with.

If you want to read more about some of these wines, please see this article previously published on our website.

Regarding the hotel itself, it should be noted that this is an area that respects all the Alentejo matrix, the region where it is implemented. The sense of place is a core value at Mallhadinha.

Here we can get an authentic experience where the quality and refinement of simplicity prevail.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

The room decor is inspired by the Alentejo regional furniture together with a clean design, which provides comfort and tranquility. Upon arrival you will find a platter of season fruit, which is produced at the Estate, as well as the amenities of Bvlgari and air fresheners from the Portuguese brand Castelbel that emphasize all the luxury and refinement during the stay.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

The breakfast is an experience that cherishes and awakens the senses. Exposed in a “canopy table” are countless high quality products and a wide variety of flavors.

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Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – Photo Provided by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | All Rights Reserved

The activities offered to guests are many and very attractive. From moments of relaxation in the invigorating and flavored environment of their spa to a fun Jeep Safari through the Herdade or an exciting hot air balloon ride in the Alentejo dawn tranquility, all is possible in Malhadinha.

Being a wine tourism space there are different wine tastings available which are conducted by the winemaker, and also visits to the vineyard and the winery. Throughout the year, they launch various special packages subordinated to thematic experiences, such as radical adventures, gastronomy workshops or photography courses.

At the time of the harvest there are always special programs available that allow customers to fully live that special time. Equestrian tourism is also privileged by Malhadinha since they have their own stud farm, which is dedicated to horse breeding of the Lusitano breed.

I have no doubt that Malhadinha Nova has the pursuit of excellence as a guiding principle. Within just a few years of existence, it has become not only one of the best producers of domestic wine, as well as a wine tourism space with superior quality.

Contacts
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
7800-601 Albernoa. Beja – Portugal
Tel: (+351) 284 965 210 / 211
E-mail: geral@malhadinhanova.pt
Website: www.malhadinhanova.pt

Adelaide Tributa…a pre-phylloxera Port!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Bruno Ferreira

If there are wines that resist time and magnify themselves over the years and even centuries, if there are wines that suffer absolutely extraordinary metamorphosis, if there are wines that touch perfection and leave the most unwary of oenophiles yielded … Adelaide Tributa is surely one of them!

This port has an intense amber color and a masterful complex aroma. Dried fruits such as figs, almonds and hazelnuts, various spices, especially nutmeg and cloves and, much, much cocoa, everything can be found in its richly aromatic and refined nose.

The palate is explosive. Dense, unctuous, deep, with a scathing and razor-sharp acidity and a perfect endless finish.

Its Baume degree (13.7) alone already indicates its old age. According to the producer’s records, this is a pre-phylloxera wine, which dates back to 1866 and comes from an original batch of five casks.

One and a half century of evaporation and a conservation in a favorable environment have reduced it to only two casks and gave the wine a vehement and colossal concentration.

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D. Antónia Adelaide Ferreira – Photo Provided by Quinta do Vallado | All Rights Reserved

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Adelaide Tributa – Photo Provided by Quinta do Vallado | All Rights Reserved

It was bottled in a limited series of 1300 unique crystal decanters, duly numbered and packaged in a wooden boxes designed by the architect Francisco Vieira de Campos. Its price, around € 3,000 a bottle, is the result of its quality and rarity, making it a product for collectors and wealthy connoisseurs.

A tribute of Quinta do Vallado to D. Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (its former owner and forever remembered as the Ferreirinha) around the time of the bicentennial celebration of her birth.

A unique wine, aristocratic, tremendously concentrated and complex. A great and sibylline port, full of shades and nuances, a true exemple of the vinous excellence that the Douro and Porto might reach.

Contacts
Quinta do Vallado – Sociedade Agrícola, Lda.
Vilarinho dos Freires
5050-364 – Peso da Régua | Portugal
Tel: (+351) 254 323 147
Fax: (+351) 254 324 326
Email: geral@quintadovallado.com
Website: www.quintadovallado.com

Madeira’s Wine Institute – A Masterclass that made all the difference!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Bruno Ferreira

The Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM is the responsible entity for the supervision of regional wine activities and by the certification and quality control of Madeira wine.

An entity which, with administrative and financial autonomy, efficiently cares for the consolidation and sustained growth of traditional and regional products, without however neglecting the effectively rising promotion and the quality conservation, whether at a national or international level.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_1

The Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM – Photo Provided by IVBAM | All Rights Reserved

Madeira has about 400 hectares of vineyards. The agricultural lands are characterized by very steep slopes, generally in form of terraced fields. Madeira’s irrigation water is collected in the highlands of the island and is driven through channels called “levadas” that consist of an impressive 2150 Km channel system.

The most traditional conduction method is the “latada” (pergola), in which the vines are horizontally conducted. More recently there’s the espalier conduction method, which, however, can only be used in less steep slopes.

Normally the harvesting happens between mid-August and mid-October and it’s done in a totally manual way. The efforts are many, and the rituals mirror the difficulty relative to a whole smallholdings system spread over an extremely rugged terrain.

To speak of Madeira wine is like speaking of dramatism. Dramatism which is manifested not only in the overwhelming island’s view but also in its wines vinification method and long aging periods. Drama is indeed a well-defining word not only to Madeira but to everything that is portuguese. Yes, we’re a dramatic people… and it’s patent in the various aspects of our culture.

Our sound or national music is Fado – is there any other as strong, sad or deeply-felt? I can understand the difficulty that someone from the Northern Europe has, people that are usually colder, precise and devoid of such melancholic feelings. Or of someone from more cheerful and relaxed countries as are the South American ones. Indeed it must not be easy to understand all these exacerbated feelings of ours.

But, back to wine… It’s really a boast to be Portuguese. We’re young as concerns to still wines and yet we’ve won several international prizes and we’re already in publications of Wine Spectator and that confers us a place among the best world wines. However there’s still a long way to go in this area. That is if we want to maintain and increase this quality recognition.

We produce a little bit over 6 million hectoliters per year. To be on the top of the world in the quality matter, will demand a lot of us in the future. Spreading the word across the international consumers and not gird ourselves to the magazines’ recognition, will demand even more. Yes, because one thing is the magazines’ recognition and another quite different is the consumers’ acceptance and it’s that that will allow the Portuguese wines growth.

Does the press buy wines? No. Does the trade buy wines? Yes, but only to sell and while it’s financially justifiable. So, who do we have to attract? Naturally, the consumers.

Here I am, digressing again… Let’s get back to Madeira wine and IVBAM then.

This year I’ve been 4 times to Madeira and I’m about to board again. Really.. I just can’t get enough and I intend even to get more attached to the island in the future.

The last trip to Madeira, mid-November 2014, was remarkable. All of the Blend – All About Wine’s team members got quite impressed. We visited all of the Madeira wine producers and we also did a generic tasting of Madeira’s table wines.

We tried different and amazing restaurants’ and at the same time realized of its outstanding touristic potential… still so strangely forgotten when it comes to its wines.

Along the 5 trip days we tasted many high quality wines. New wines but mostly very old wines. Several of them with over 100 years, showing and proving, all of the island’s peculiarity. Some of them were tasted during the IVBAM’s MasterClass, very well led by the Head of IVBAM’s Chamber of Tasters – Rubina Vieira.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_2

MasterClass, led by the Head of IVBAM’s Chamber of Tasters – Rubina Vieira © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

In addition this MasterClass was also nicely customized. Yes, it was a Blend – All About Wine MasterClass, born and bred for us!

We tasted twelve wines from different producers, years and varieties. Starting with a Colheita de 1996 and finishing off with a Verdelho de 1850. The ones that impressed me the most were the Sercial 1862 and the Moscatel 1875. Due to its difference and rarity, the Bastardo de 1927 didn’t went by unnoticed as well.

Complexity, concentration, deepness and balance. Those were the common characteristics to these two wines. The first one, obviously, drier and thinner than the second which reveals more viscous and molassed notes although showing itself very harmonious and with no drop of excesses. What a great wines!

But the important thing here isn’t to talk about the wines/producers and their particularities and/or differences. That’s a task to each one of my colleagues, to talk about each producer individually.

Here it’s important to talk about all of the plenitude and grandiosity of Madeira wine. Five are the noble varieties of said wine. In a sweetness crescent grading we have: Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia and yes…the Terrantez!!!

In a sweetness grading matter we can place it between the Verdelho and Boal. But, being so rare and amounting only 1% of the island’s production can’t be even taken into account.

We’re talking about a variety that gives birth to amazing wines. Think for instance in the monstrosity of the Pereira D’Oliveira Terrantez 1880.. From the wines I tasted to this day it’s probably one of the closest to perfection.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_3

Tasting table © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Even though not considered a noble caste, the Tinta Negra, is a variety widely used in the Madeira Wine. Nowadays the Madeira wines produced by this variety are already considerable, not only in quantity but also in quality.

The harvesting’s priority is:

  1. Verdelho;
  2. Boal;
  3. Tinta Negra;
  4. Malvasia;
  5. Sercial;

As regards the vinification process and/or aging, one of two processes may occur: Estufagem or Canteiro.

Estufagem – The wine is placed in stainless steel ovens, heated by a coil system where hot water circulates for a period not less than 3 months, at a temperature between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. After the “estufagem”, the wine is subjected to an aging period of at least 90 days at room temperature. From this moment on it can remain in stainless steel or be placed in wooden casks, until it meets the conditions that allow the winemaker to do the wine’s completion, so it can be placed in the bottle, with the necessary quality assurance. However, these wines cannot be bottled and marketed before 31th October of the second year, following the harvest. These wines are mainly blends.

Canteiro – The wines selected to age in “Canteiro” (this denomination derives from putting the barrels under wooden beam supports, called canteiros) do so in casks, usually on the higher floors of the warehouses where temperatures are higher, for a minimum period of 2 years. It is an oxidative aging in casks, developing in the wines unique characteristics of intense and complex aromas. The “canteiro” wines can only go out to the market after a minimum of three years, counted from January 1st of the year following the harvest.

The fortification consists in the fermentation stoppage and the addition of wine alcohol at 96%. The timing for the fermentation interruption is scheduled accordingly to the sweetness level intended for the wine. This method allows the outcome of four wine types: dry, mid-dry, mid-sweet and sweet.

To me, speaking of Madeira wine is like speaking of passionate wines, engaging and thrilling. I confess myself completely rendered to its charms. I’m a Madeira wine Geek … it’s true!

Voluptuousness and seduction, lust and lasciviousness, hand in hand with a huge sensitivity, with finesse and wisdom. Who said these seemingly antagonistic characteristics cannot harmonize perfectly? Might all this telluric energy, all this authenticity and depth, encapsulate the foretaste of paradise?

Voltaire said that the Tokaji had the gift to spark up even the smallest fiber of their brains. Well, the he was an illuminist and I’m not … but I think that’s what really happens to me when it comes to Madeira Wine!

But while the Tokaji is considered the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings (so once said Louis XV while offering a glass of that wine to his lover Madame de Pompadour), let me say that, for me, for his triumphant acidity and its martyr winemaking process, conditions that make it almost immortal, Madeira is much more than a wine of kings … it’s truly a GODS’s wine!

And last but not the least have a look at this outstanding video on Madeira wine.

Video provided by the Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM

Contacts
Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira, I.P.
Rua Visconde de Anadia, nº44
9050-020 Funchal
Tel: (+351) 291 211 600
Fax: (+351) 291 224 791
E-mail: ivbam.sra@gov-madeira.pt
Site: www.ivbam.gov-madeira.pt

Madeira's Wine Institute – A Masterclass that made all the difference!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Bruno Ferreira

The Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM is the responsible entity for the supervision of regional wine activities and by the certification and quality control of Madeira wine.

An entity which, with administrative and financial autonomy, efficiently cares for the consolidation and sustained growth of traditional and regional products, without however neglecting the effectively rising promotion and the quality conservation, whether at a national or international level.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_1

The Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM – Photo Provided by IVBAM | All Rights Reserved

Madeira has about 400 hectares of vineyards. The agricultural lands are characterized by very steep slopes, generally in form of terraced fields. Madeira’s irrigation water is collected in the highlands of the island and is driven through channels called “levadas” that consist of an impressive 2150 Km channel system.

The most traditional conduction method is the “latada” (pergola), in which the vines are horizontally conducted. More recently there’s the espalier conduction method, which, however, can only be used in less steep slopes.

Normally the harvesting happens between mid-August and mid-October and it’s done in a totally manual way. The efforts are many, and the rituals mirror the difficulty relative to a whole smallholdings system spread over an extremely rugged terrain.

To speak of Madeira wine is like speaking of dramatism. Dramatism which is manifested not only in the overwhelming island’s view but also in its wines vinification method and long aging periods. Drama is indeed a well-defining word not only to Madeira but to everything that is portuguese. Yes, we’re a dramatic people… and it’s patent in the various aspects of our culture.

Our sound or national music is Fado – is there any other as strong, sad or deeply-felt? I can understand the difficulty that someone from the Northern Europe has, people that are usually colder, precise and devoid of such melancholic feelings. Or of someone from more cheerful and relaxed countries as are the South American ones. Indeed it must not be easy to understand all these exacerbated feelings of ours.

But, back to wine… It’s really a boast to be Portuguese. We’re young as concerns to still wines and yet we’ve won several international prizes and we’re already in publications of Wine Spectator and that confers us a place among the best world wines. However there’s still a long way to go in this area. That is if we want to maintain and increase this quality recognition.

We produce a little bit over 6 million hectoliters per year. To be on the top of the world in the quality matter, will demand a lot of us in the future. Spreading the word across the international consumers and not gird ourselves to the magazines’ recognition, will demand even more. Yes, because one thing is the magazines’ recognition and another quite different is the consumers’ acceptance and it’s that that will allow the Portuguese wines growth.

Does the press buy wines? No. Does the trade buy wines? Yes, but only to sell and while it’s financially justifiable. So, who do we have to attract? Naturally, the consumers.

Here I am, digressing again… Let’s get back to Madeira wine and IVBAM then.

This year I’ve been 4 times to Madeira and I’m about to board again. Really.. I just can’t get enough and I intend even to get more attached to the island in the future.

The last trip to Madeira, mid-November 2014, was remarkable. All of the Blend – All About Wine’s team members got quite impressed. We visited all of the Madeira wine producers and we also did a generic tasting of Madeira’s table wines.

We tried different and amazing restaurants’ and at the same time realized of its outstanding touristic potential… still so strangely forgotten when it comes to its wines.

Along the 5 trip days we tasted many high quality wines. New wines but mostly very old wines. Several of them with over 100 years, showing and proving, all of the island’s peculiarity. Some of them were tasted during the IVBAM’s MasterClass, very well led by the Head of IVBAM’s Chamber of Tasters – Rubina Vieira.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_2

MasterClass, led by the Head of IVBAM’s Chamber of Tasters – Rubina Vieira © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

In addition this MasterClass was also nicely customized. Yes, it was a Blend – All About Wine MasterClass, born and bred for us!

We tasted twelve wines from different producers, years and varieties. Starting with a Colheita de 1996 and finishing off with a Verdelho de 1850. The ones that impressed me the most were the Sercial 1862 and the Moscatel 1875. Due to its difference and rarity, the Bastardo de 1927 didn’t went by unnoticed as well.

Complexity, concentration, deepness and balance. Those were the common characteristics to these two wines. The first one, obviously, drier and thinner than the second which reveals more viscous and molassed notes although showing itself very harmonious and with no drop of excesses. What a great wines!

But the important thing here isn’t to talk about the wines/producers and their particularities and/or differences. That’s a task to each one of my colleagues, to talk about each producer individually.

Here it’s important to talk about all of the plenitude and grandiosity of Madeira wine. Five are the noble varieties of said wine. In a sweetness crescent grading we have: Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia and yes…the Terrantez!!!

In a sweetness grading matter we can place it between the Verdelho and Boal. But, being so rare and amounting only 1% of the island’s production can’t be even taken into account.

We’re talking about a variety that gives birth to amazing wines. Think for instance in the monstrosity of the Pereira D’Oliveira Terrantez 1880.. From the wines I tasted to this day it’s probably one of the closest to perfection.

Blend_All_About_Wine_IVBAM_3

Tasting table © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Even though not considered a noble caste, the Tinta Negra, is a variety widely used in the Madeira Wine. Nowadays the Madeira wines produced by this variety are already considerable, not only in quantity but also in quality.

The harvesting’s priority is:

  1. Verdelho;
  2. Boal;
  3. Tinta Negra;
  4. Malvasia;
  5. Sercial;

As regards the vinification process and/or aging, one of two processes may occur: Estufagem or Canteiro.

Estufagem – The wine is placed in stainless steel ovens, heated by a coil system where hot water circulates for a period not less than 3 months, at a temperature between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. After the “estufagem”, the wine is subjected to an aging period of at least 90 days at room temperature. From this moment on it can remain in stainless steel or be placed in wooden casks, until it meets the conditions that allow the winemaker to do the wine’s completion, so it can be placed in the bottle, with the necessary quality assurance. However, these wines cannot be bottled and marketed before 31th October of the second year, following the harvest. These wines are mainly blends.

Canteiro – The wines selected to age in “Canteiro” (this denomination derives from putting the barrels under wooden beam supports, called canteiros) do so in casks, usually on the higher floors of the warehouses where temperatures are higher, for a minimum period of 2 years. It is an oxidative aging in casks, developing in the wines unique characteristics of intense and complex aromas. The “canteiro” wines can only go out to the market after a minimum of three years, counted from January 1st of the year following the harvest.

The fortification consists in the fermentation stoppage and the addition of wine alcohol at 96%. The timing for the fermentation interruption is scheduled accordingly to the sweetness level intended for the wine. This method allows the outcome of four wine types: dry, mid-dry, mid-sweet and sweet.

To me, speaking of Madeira wine is like speaking of passionate wines, engaging and thrilling. I confess myself completely rendered to its charms. I’m a Madeira wine Geek … it’s true!

Voluptuousness and seduction, lust and lasciviousness, hand in hand with a huge sensitivity, with finesse and wisdom. Who said these seemingly antagonistic characteristics cannot harmonize perfectly? Might all this telluric energy, all this authenticity and depth, encapsulate the foretaste of paradise?

Voltaire said that the Tokaji had the gift to spark up even the smallest fiber of their brains. Well, the he was an illuminist and I’m not … but I think that’s what really happens to me when it comes to Madeira Wine!

But while the Tokaji is considered the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings (so once said Louis XV while offering a glass of that wine to his lover Madame de Pompadour), let me say that, for me, for his triumphant acidity and its martyr winemaking process, conditions that make it almost immortal, Madeira is much more than a wine of kings … it’s truly a GODS’s wine!

And last but not the least have a look at this outstanding video on Madeira wine.

Video provided by the Madeira’s Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts, IP – IVBAM

Contacts
Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira, I.P.
Rua Visconde de Anadia, nº44
9050-020 Funchal
Tel: (+351) 291 211 600
Fax: (+351) 291 224 791
E-mail: ivbam.sra@gov-madeira.pt
Site: www.ivbam.gov-madeira.pt

Terras do Avô – A Charm in the North of the Island

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Teresa Calisto

I am an insatiable lover and an indefatigable defender of the Verdelho grape variety. Madeira’s Verdelho mind you!
Although for many this title may seem incoherent, because they may only recognize the legitimacy of the use of the name Verdelho in wines from that Portuguese region, the truth is that there are many other wines that claim having been made from that grape variety.

However, most of them are produced from other different types such as Gouveio or Spanish Verdejo.

Madeira’s Verdelho is in another league. It is pungent acidity, it is delicate aromas, it is freshness and it is also a huge sense of place. Yes, Madeira’s Verdelho does justice to that land of sea, sun and rugged soils.

Surrondigs - Photo provided by Terras do Avô - All Rights Reserved

Surrondigs – Photo provided by Terras do Avô – All Rights Reserved

Those who, like me, have recently visited that region and its vineyards, will certainly understand how stoic it is to produce wines over there. Small vineyards, steep slopes and countless time and place hardships. However, once they are overcome they produce very mineral wines with sea air hints. Wines that translate a typicality and a whole reason of being.

Terras do Avô wines tell a story. Duarte Caldeira, the leader of this project, decided in 2008 to start making their own brand wines – Terras do Avô. He took advantage of the already planted three acres of land, to start a partnership with his children, based on the lands inherited from their grandfather. The brand Terras do Avô belongs to Duarte Caldeira & Sons – Seixal Wines Lda, a company that has Duarte Caldeira and his three children: Sofia, Filipa and Duarte as partners.

Terras do Avô - Photo provided by Terras do Avô - All Rights Reserved

Terras do Avô – Photo provided by Terras do Avô – All Rights Reserved

With Paulo Laureano and João Pedro Machado in charge of oenology, Terras do Avô produces two whites and two reds. Two Colheita or entry level, and two Grande Escolha. These Escolha are only bottled in years when the quality of the harvest justifies it. The whites are exclusively made from Verdelho grapes, while the reds come from blends of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Syrah.

I must confess I was mostly seduced by the white wines. The Verdelho variety makes all the difference. Such an amazing grape variety we have!

Duarte Caldeira and his children welcomed us comme il faut and offered us the opportunity to taste the Terras do Avô 2013 white and the Terras do Avô Grande Escolha 2011 and 2012 white. We were also able to taste the Colheita 2010 red and the Grande Escolha 2010 red. Madeira’s hospitality is amazing and the island has such potential and quality. A true pride for any Portuguese.

Tasting Table - Photo provided by Terras do Avô - All Rights Reserved

Tasting Table – Photo provided by Terras do Avô – All Rights Reserved

I was truly impressed by the whites. The young Terras do Avô 2013 presented as a very fresh wine, with evident mineral notes and well dosed tropical aromas, not at all cloying. With huge acidity, from Madeira’s Verdelho, it is a balanced wine, easily empathetic. Terras do Avô Grande Escolha 2011 showed a more golden color, with smooth tropical notes, clearly marked minerality and slight herbaceous hints. Terras do Avô Grande Escolha 2012 presented a very seductive nose, with pineapple and passion fruit hints, clear minerality and clues of salinity. With some complexity, it revealed a well-structured mouth with remarkable acidity.

The labels of these wines are very original and were designed by Madeira’s artist Marco Fagundes Vasconcelos, who dedicated the color green to the white wines and the red color to the same color wines.

Currently they produce around 19 thousand bottles of white and 9 thousand bottles of red wine. If Madeira already has reasons to be proud of its indigenous inhabitants, then Mr. Duarte Caldeira adds to this pride. An honest, straight talking man who becomes a true charm to any outsider

Tapas – Photo provided by Terras do Avô – All Rights Reserved

Integrated in the islands’ wine tourism, the Caldeira family welcomes their visitors with all the required care. Tapas, delicacies and dishes are always available to accompany their wines to those who come here, as are kindness, availability and hospitality.

Located in Seixal municipality, on the northern shore of Madeira Island, with a breathtaking view over the ocean, they welcome many national and foreign tourists and are doubling and improving their facilities.
What are you waiting for to pay them a visit? Here are all the necessary contact details. Go! Go! Go!

Contacts
Sociedade Duarte Caldeira e Filhos – Seixal Wines, Lda.
Sede: Sitio do Lombinho – Seixal, 9 270 – 125 Porto Moniz
Tel: (+351) 965 013 168(Duarte Caldeira) | (+351) 964 008 001 (Sofia Caldeira)
Email: seixalwines@gmail.com
Website: www.terrasdoavo.blogspot.com

Madeira – Chronicles of a passionate tasting at Henriques & Henriques!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Teresa Calisto

I was recently at Madeira Island to take part in the 5th edition of Rota das Estrelas, a gastronomic festival of enormous quality – see here (www.rotadasestrelas.com). Naturally, my trip to Madeira would have to include a visit to some local wine producers as well. A lot of wines were tasted and a large part of them left pleasant memories. One of those producers was Henriques & Henriques, a company whose history goes back to 1850 and that, unlike what usually happens in Madeira, owns a considerable amount of its own vineyards. In this company, now mainly belonging to Porto Cruz, everything exudes organization, cleanliness and care. What impressed me the most, besides the wines of course, was their lovely cooperage. Yes, in Madeira, wine producers have their own cooperages given their relevance in the wine making process and ageing of liqueur wines.

IMG_2227

Cooperage © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

The tasting was masterfully conducted by Humberto Jardim, the company’s C.E.O. and a great Madeira wines’ connoisseur. Using different profiles, vintages and grape varieties, he led us in a journey through time, knowledge and emotion. This producer’s portfolio is quite large and is available on their website www.henriquesehenriques.pt, where you will find images and tasting notes on the several different wines. In this article I will only mention 5 of the wines tasted those that impressed and touched me the most. The grand examples of Madeira are wines that fascinate, that excite and leave us perplexed. These are wines that have gone through great vicissitudes along their way, namely maturation at very high temperatures, wines that suffer extraordinary metamorphosis that transform them into something truly exceptional. Marked by a pungent acidity, they resist like no other the passing of the years, decades, centuries…

hh-rcaixa-01

Vineyards © Henriques & Henriques – Vinhos, S.A.

Sercial 1971
Marked by some astringency that translates into aromas and tastes of stems and rachis, this wine is bright and crystalline. With clear dried fruits and spices notes, it is complex, with the grape variety’s typical dryness and vipery acidity. Deep and vibrant, it finishes long and persistent. A memorable Sercial.

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Sercial

Sercial 1971 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Verdelho Solera 1898
If there are examples of perfection then this Madeira is one of them! I may be biased, given my love for this grape variety, but the truth is that this wine left me completely surrendered and fascinated. Everything in this wine is gold. From its old golden color to its noble and brilliant complexity, everything sparkles, impresses, subdues! The nose releases dried fruit and honey aromas and delicate old wood notes. The mouth is intense, voluminous and immensely creamy. An anthology wine!

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Solera

Verdelho Solera 1898 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Boal 1957
With a degree of sweetness properly grounded in an acute acidity, this Madeira is another example of charm and pedigree. Caramel, pralines and ferrous metals aromas, it reveals an immense olfactory diversity in a nose that however, presents clean and seductive. The mouth is full and round. With a perfect balance and harmony, it leaves an endless finish that I will not soon forget. One of the best Boal I have ever tasted!

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Boal

Boal 1957 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Terrantez 1954
Made from a very difficult grape variety, corresponding for that reason to a tiny percentage of the vineyards in Madeira, this wine seems to be a bit crazy and undue. This difficult and rare grape variety creates truly unique and sweeping wines. This 1954 is perhaps one of its purest manifestations. The nose is a bomb of aromas: dried fruits, honey and very smooth old wood. With remarkable structure and texture, it reveals a complexity and depth that make it almost inhuman. Had it not been made by men, I would say this was a divine creation!

Founders Solera 1894
Essentially made of Malvasia, the sweetest of the noble grape varieties of Madeira wine, this Solera has strong aromas of raisins, orange zest and also a little bit of spices. Magnified by the years gone by, today it has enormous concentration and complexity. The color is dark and intense and the mouth has an impressive volume. Full and unctuous, with a very soft texture it ends quite long. A wine to chew, a wine time has enhanced!

Contacts
Henriques & Henriques – Vinhos, S.A.
Sítio de Belém 9300-138 Câmara de Lobos Madeira – Portugal
Tel: (+351) 291 941 551/2
Fax: (+351) 291 941 590
E-mail: HeH@henriquesehenriques.pt
Site: www.henriquesehenriques.pt

Madeira – Chronicles of a passionate tasting at Henriques & Henriques!

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Teresa Calisto

I was recently at Madeira Island to take part in the 5th edition of Rota das Estrelas, a gastronomic festival of enormous quality – see here (www.rotadasestrelas.com). Naturally, my trip to Madeira would have to include a visit to some local wine producers as well. A lot of wines were tasted and a large part of them left pleasant memories. One of those producers was Henriques & Henriques, a company whose history goes back to 1850 and that, unlike what usually happens in Madeira, owns a considerable amount of its own vineyards. In this company, now mainly belonging to Porto Cruz, everything exudes organization, cleanliness and care. What impressed me the most, besides the wines of course, was their lovely cooperage. Yes, in Madeira, wine producers have their own cooperages given their relevance in the wine making process and ageing of liqueur wines.

IMG_2227

Cooperage © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

The tasting was masterfully conducted by Humberto Jardim, the company’s C.E.O. and a great Madeira wines’ connoisseur. Using different profiles, vintages and grape varieties, he led us in a journey through time, knowledge and emotion. This producer’s portfolio is quite large and is available on their website www.henriquesehenriques.pt, where you will find images and tasting notes on the several different wines. In this article I will only mention 5 of the wines tasted those that impressed and touched me the most. The grand examples of Madeira are wines that fascinate, that excite and leave us perplexed. These are wines that have gone through great vicissitudes along their way, namely maturation at very high temperatures, wines that suffer extraordinary metamorphosis that transform them into something truly exceptional. Marked by a pungent acidity, they resist like no other the passing of the years, decades, centuries…

hh-rcaixa-01

Vineyards © Henriques & Henriques – Vinhos, S.A.

Sercial 1971
Marked by some astringency that translates into aromas and tastes of stems and rachis, this wine is bright and crystalline. With clear dried fruits and spices notes, it is complex, with the grape variety’s typical dryness and vipery acidity. Deep and vibrant, it finishes long and persistent. A memorable Sercial.

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Sercial

Sercial 1971 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Verdelho Solera 1898
If there are examples of perfection then this Madeira is one of them! I may be biased, given my love for this grape variety, but the truth is that this wine left me completely surrendered and fascinated. Everything in this wine is gold. From its old golden color to its noble and brilliant complexity, everything sparkles, impresses, subdues! The nose releases dried fruit and honey aromas and delicate old wood notes. The mouth is intense, voluminous and immensely creamy. An anthology wine!

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Solera

Verdelho Solera 1898 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Boal 1957
With a degree of sweetness properly grounded in an acute acidity, this Madeira is another example of charm and pedigree. Caramel, pralines and ferrous metals aromas, it reveals an immense olfactory diversity in a nose that however, presents clean and seductive. The mouth is full and round. With a perfect balance and harmony, it leaves an endless finish that I will not soon forget. One of the best Boal I have ever tasted!

MADEIRAChroniclesofapassionatetastinatHenriqueseHenriques_Blend_AllAboutWine_Boal

Boal 1957 © Blend All About Wine, Lda.

Terrantez 1954
Made from a very difficult grape variety, corresponding for that reason to a tiny percentage of the vineyards in Madeira, this wine seems to be a bit crazy and undue. This difficult and rare grape variety creates truly unique and sweeping wines. This 1954 is perhaps one of its purest manifestations. The nose is a bomb of aromas: dried fruits, honey and very smooth old wood. With remarkable structure and texture, it reveals a complexity and depth that make it almost inhuman. Had it not been made by men, I would say this was a divine creation!

Founders Solera 1894
Essentially made of Malvasia, the sweetest of the noble grape varieties of Madeira wine, this Solera has strong aromas of raisins, orange zest and also a little bit of spices. Magnified by the years gone by, today it has enormous concentration and complexity. The color is dark and intense and the mouth has an impressive volume. Full and unctuous, with a very soft texture it ends quite long. A wine to chew, a wine time has enhanced!

Contacts
Henriques & Henriques – Vinhos, S.A.
Sítio de Belém 9300-138 Câmara de Lobos Madeira – Portugal
Tel: (+351) 291 941 551/2
Fax: (+351) 291 941 590
E-mail: HeH@henriquesehenriques.pt
Site: www.henriquesehenriques.pt

Tasting of Dated Tawnies (10, 20, 30 & 40 Years Old) and Single-Harvests (1982, 1969 & 1952)

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Teresa Calisto

Graham’s belongs to the Symington Family Estates and was founded in 1820 by W&J Graham. Over the years, it has developed a remarkable reputation as one of the largest Port wine producers.

If wine is a form of art, then dated Port wines are surely one of its purest expressions. From the art of ageing, the art of cooperage and the art of blending, the most ravishing dated Tawnies are born. Being amongst the most challenging types of Port, they are very demanding on their makers and producers. They are the result of expertise and knowledge, of patience and minutia, of dedication and surrender.

To find the right balance between elegance and finesse – a result of prolonged ageing in barrel – while at the same time preserving the freshness and fruity flavor is the mission of the enologist and the combination that gives these wines all their structure and longevity. Dated Tawnies are above all unique and intellectual wines, that challenge our senses and stimulate our reason.

I am an unabashed admirer of Single Harvests Tawnies (Colheitas), wines that express the excellence and magnitude of just one year. At this gathering, I tasted three Colheitas: 1982, 1969 and 1952. Decades of evaporation give Colheitas great concentration, almost transforming them into an essence, yielding a deep and intense dried fruits aroma and a dense and unctuous taste, full of rich and complex flavors.

Colheitas Ports are noble and exquisite wines, true symbols of prestige and tradition. Personally, these are wines that excite, move me and send me into another dimension! These wines carry the weight of history; they enclose in themselves the dreams of men and with each sip reinforce the pride of being Portuguese!

Blend-All-About-Wine-Grahm's-Tasting-Dated-Tawnies-The-Wines

10, 20, 30 & 40 Years Old Tawnies © Blend All About Wine, Lda

10 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

It was awarded two Decanter World Wine Awards Gold Medals and several Silver Medals from other prestigious competitions. It is in fact, one of the best wines in its category. It has a caramelized bouquet with intense nutty, dates and dried figs flavors. The rich and ripe fruit, laced with noticeable hints of honey, give it a mellow palate with a smooth and silky finish.

20 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

A delicate and intense aroma reveals the presence of dried fruits, nuts and hazelnuts, in an exquisite and attuned mixture with orange zest. Round and concentrated in the mouth, balanced and harmonious, it has a long and elegant finish. In this wine you will find all that is expected from a 20-year-old Tawny.

30 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

Complex and magnificent, it reveals layers of dried fruits, orange zest, honey and peach jam. Full, rich and very clean in the mouth. The honey and caramel flavors are evident giving it an intense and velvety texture. Concentrated, with remarkable acidity it has a long and strikingly persistent finish.

40 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

With a color that already presents some greenish hues, due to the age of the wines that gave it life, this tawny has an intense and complex nose with significant depth.  Caramel, pralines, honey and even chocolate flavors are evident. The mouth is dense, voluminous and portentous. The balanced acidity and marked length, give it a prolonged and exquisite finish.

Blend-All-About-Wine-Grahm's-Tasting-Dated-Tawnies-The-Wines-2

Single Harvest 1952 & 1982 © Blend All About Wine, Lda


1982 Single Harvest (Colheita), Douro

Graham’s celebrated the birth of HRH Prince George of Cambridge with a Special Edition Port Wine. A Single Harvest Tawny Port from 1982, the year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were born. Aged for over 30 years in oak barrels at Vila Nova de Gaia’s Graham’s 1890 Cellars it was bottled from only six barrels selected by Charles Symington, head taster and enology director. Rich in dried fruits, with caramelized oranges and dried figs accents, it is velvety in the mouth, with silky tannins and spicy flavors. It has a long, sweet and deliciously persistent finish.

1969 Single Harvest (Colheita), Douro

This is a special bottling Port of only six casks from the 1969 harvest, each cask producing just 712 numbered bottles. Charles Symington tasted each of the 21 casks from 1969 that are still maturing in the Graham’s cellars and selected the six he found exceptional.

The nose is a true explosion of aromas. Nuts, caramel, cinnamon, some glaze and even tobacco leaves brought me back to an extraordinary visit to a cigar factory in Havana. The mouth is intense and seductive, showing crystalized fruits and exotic spices sending me now back to my long walks through the Tunis and Marrakesh medinas. Complex and concentrated, this Colheita has an intense, focused and powerful finish.

1952 Single Harvest (Colheita) – The Diamond Jubilee Port, Douro

This Port wine of exceptional quality was especially selected to commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. Bearing witness to the British sovereign’s six decades of reign, this was the wine chosen for the royal toast at the end of the commemorative lunch, which makes it a true pride for the Symington Family that so wisely chose to launch this Single Harvest wine associated with such a noble event.

With extraordinary aroma intensity, it reveals dried fruits, delicate Morrocan dates, orange zest and spicy flavors of nutmeg and clove. The mouth is intense and majestic, with notable freshness and sharp acidity. A true hymn to balance and structural harmony.

For some an adagio, for others an allegro vivace, this Single Harvest is above all a unique and aristocratic tremendously deep and complex wine. A grand and enigmatic Port, full of hues and nuances. A great exemplar of Douro’s and Port’s wine excellence.

Contacts
Graham’s Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Portugal
Tel: (+351) 223 776 484 / 485
Email: grahams@grahams-port.com
Website: www.grahams-port.com

Tasting of Dated Tawnies (10, 20, 30 & 40 Years Old) and Single-Harvests (1982, 1969 & 1952)

Text Olga Cardoso | Translation Teresa Calisto

Graham’s belongs to the Symington Family Estates and was founded in 1820 by W&J Graham. Over the years, it has developed a remarkable reputation as one of the largest Port wine producers.

If wine is a form of art, then dated Port wines are surely one of its purest expressions. From the art of ageing, the art of cooperage and the art of blending, the most ravishing dated Tawnies are born. Being amongst the most challenging types of Port, they are very demanding on their makers and producers. They are the result of expertise and knowledge, of patience and minutia, of dedication and surrender.

To find the right balance between elegance and finesse – a result of prolonged ageing in barrel – while at the same time preserving the freshness and fruity flavor is the mission of the enologist and the combination that gives these wines all their structure and longevity. Dated Tawnies are above all unique and intellectual wines, that challenge our senses and stimulate our reason.

I am an unabashed admirer of Single Harvests Tawnies (Colheitas), wines that express the excellence and magnitude of just one year. At this gathering, I tasted three Colheitas: 1982, 1969 and 1952. Decades of evaporation give Colheitas great concentration, almost transforming them into an essence, yielding a deep and intense dried fruits aroma and a dense and unctuous taste, full of rich and complex flavors.

Colheitas Ports are noble and exquisite wines, true symbols of prestige and tradition. Personally, these are wines that excite, move me and send me into another dimension! These wines carry the weight of history; they enclose in themselves the dreams of men and with each sip reinforce the pride of being Portuguese!

Blend-All-About-Wine-Grahm's-Tasting-Dated-Tawnies-The-Wines

10, 20, 30 & 40 Years Old Tawnies © Blend All About Wine, Lda

10 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

It was awarded two Decanter World Wine Awards Gold Medals and several Silver Medals from other prestigious competitions. It is in fact, one of the best wines in its category. It has a caramelized bouquet with intense nutty, dates and dried figs flavors. The rich and ripe fruit, laced with noticeable hints of honey, give it a mellow palate with a smooth and silky finish.

20 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

A delicate and intense aroma reveals the presence of dried fruits, nuts and hazelnuts, in an exquisite and attuned mixture with orange zest. Round and concentrated in the mouth, balanced and harmonious, it has a long and elegant finish. In this wine you will find all that is expected from a 20-year-old Tawny.

30 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

Complex and magnificent, it reveals layers of dried fruits, orange zest, honey and peach jam. Full, rich and very clean in the mouth. The honey and caramel flavors are evident giving it an intense and velvety texture. Concentrated, with remarkable acidity it has a long and strikingly persistent finish.

40 Years Old Tawny Port, Douro

With a color that already presents some greenish hues, due to the age of the wines that gave it life, this tawny has an intense and complex nose with significant depth.  Caramel, pralines, honey and even chocolate flavors are evident. The mouth is dense, voluminous and portentous. The balanced acidity and marked length, give it a prolonged and exquisite finish.

Blend-All-About-Wine-Grahm's-Tasting-Dated-Tawnies-The-Wines-2

Single Harvest 1952 & 1982 © Blend All About Wine, Lda


1982 Single Harvest (Colheita), Douro

Graham’s celebrated the birth of HRH Prince George of Cambridge with a Special Edition Port Wine. A Single Harvest Tawny Port from 1982, the year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were born. Aged for over 30 years in oak barrels at Vila Nova de Gaia’s Graham’s 1890 Cellars it was bottled from only six barrels selected by Charles Symington, head taster and enology director. Rich in dried fruits, with caramelized oranges and dried figs accents, it is velvety in the mouth, with silky tannins and spicy flavors. It has a long, sweet and deliciously persistent finish.

1969 Single Harvest (Colheita), Douro

This is a special bottling Port of only six casks from the 1969 harvest, each cask producing just 712 numbered bottles. Charles Symington tasted each of the 21 casks from 1969 that are still maturing in the Graham’s cellars and selected the six he found exceptional.

The nose is a true explosion of aromas. Nuts, caramel, cinnamon, some glaze and even tobacco leaves brought me back to an extraordinary visit to a cigar factory in Havana. The mouth is intense and seductive, showing crystalized fruits and exotic spices sending me now back to my long walks through the Tunis and Marrakesh medinas. Complex and concentrated, this Colheita has an intense, focused and powerful finish.

1952 Single Harvest (Colheita) – The Diamond Jubilee Port, Douro

This Port wine of exceptional quality was especially selected to commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. Bearing witness to the British sovereign’s six decades of reign, this was the wine chosen for the royal toast at the end of the commemorative lunch, which makes it a true pride for the Symington Family that so wisely chose to launch this Single Harvest wine associated with such a noble event.

With extraordinary aroma intensity, it reveals dried fruits, delicate Morrocan dates, orange zest and spicy flavors of nutmeg and clove. The mouth is intense and majestic, with notable freshness and sharp acidity. A true hymn to balance and structural harmony.

For some an adagio, for others an allegro vivace, this Single Harvest is above all a unique and aristocratic tremendously deep and complex wine. A grand and enigmatic Port, full of hues and nuances. A great exemplar of Douro’s and Port’s wine excellence.

Contacts
Graham’s Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Portugal
Tel: (+351) 223 776 484 / 485
Email: grahams@grahams-port.com
Website: www.grahams-port.com