Text Ilkka Sirén

It’s been quite a year. It was supposed to be a fairly relaxed one but turned out to be one of the busiest. I visited Portugal 7 times last year! That might not sound like much but traveling all the way from Helsinki it’s pretty much the longest trip you can make inside continental Europe. But even though it’s a bit of trek I’m always delighted to go. My enthusiasm towards Portugal and Portuguese wines only seems to grow with every visit.

Here are some of my favorite moments in Portugal last year:

Beautiful Vinho Verde. Spring time in the Vinho Verde wine region is spectacular. Like the name suggests it’s really really green. People are burning leaves and branches on their yards creating this unique scent that fills the air. Belly full of delicious alheira sausage and a glass full of Alvarinho. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Grand Madeiras. The Madeira wine tasting held by Rui Falcão at the Essência do Vinho event in Porto was nothing short of amazing. The line-up consisted of Barbeito Sercial 1898, Blandy’s Verdelho 1887, d’Oliveira Verdelho 1850, Justino’s Boal 1934 and Henriques & Henriques Malmsey Solera 1900. Simply wow! It’s the kind of stuff dreams are made of.

Big J. Meeting João Nicolau de Almeida from Ramos Pinto was what I would imagine how normal people feel when they meet Jay-Z. I didn’t scream or ask him to sign my cleavage but it was close. He is a visionary winemaker and pioneer in the Douro valley. Drinking with him was definitely a wine moment to remember.

Chameleon. Visiting the Young Winemakers of Portugal tasting in Lisbon I came across Camaleão. The Chameleon on the label is printed with some sort of thermal ink that reacts to the temperature. Green – too warm, blue – ready to serve. Such a brilliant idea and I wonder how come I haven’t seen this anywhere else. The wine wasn’t bad either.

Killer tomatoes. These “bull’s heart” heirloom tomatoes I had at Vale da Capucha winery, oh my God. Probably the best tomatoes in the world. They were like steaks, only healthier. Drizzle some olive oil on top, sprinkle of salt and be ready to get your world rocked.

Vinous batmobile. I was visiting some vineyards in Colares wine region near Lisbon and I saw this dude. It was harvest time and this lovely old fellow was transferring boxes full of grapes to the winery. He was rocking a pretty old-school vehicle and when he started the engine it looked like something out of a Donald Duck comic book. He even let me take the wheel for a while. Awesome!

Let’s eat. The dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon with Eduarda and Luis from Vadio and wine writer Jamie Goode was fantastic. Some stuff I always try to eat while in Portugal. Shrimps, clams, goose barnacles and of course lots of beer. Finishing with a traditional prego “burger” and you’re set. Yummy!

The Baron. Another great character I met last year was Bodo von Bruemmer. This 103-year-old youngster started making wine in his late 90’s. What?! If that doesn’t teach you that it’s never too late nothing will.

Quinta do Noval. Together with its Nacional vineyard Quinta do Noval is one of the most iconic wine estates not just in Portugal but in the entire world. Visiting this quinta has been in my bucket list a long time and now I finally made it there. Now I just wish to go back there and enjoy some epic port wines.

Pearl of the Atlantic. I visited the island of Madeira a couple times this year and I just can’t get over how beautiful it is. It’s downright majestic. I really enjoyed my time there and can’t wait to get back. Worthy of a wine pilgrimage and when you are there grab also a few glasses of poncha.

Wishing all the readers a delicious year 2015!