Enchanting Alentejo; A Wine Lover’s Paradise

For years, I’ve held a profound appreciation for the wines of Alentejo whose wines have consistently captivated my palate. Last month, I had the opportunity to transform my virtual explorations of Alentejo wine into reality during a week long press trip. It was immersive experience that included captivating winery visits and tastings, indulgence in the…

Wine of the Week: 2020 Quinta da Fonte Souto

This week’s Wine of the Week is a terrific white blend from one of Portugal’s leading wine companies – Symington Family Estates. 2020 Quinta da Fonte Souto Disclosure: Wine provided as a media sample. No other compensation was involved. All opinions are mine. This wine is a blend of 75% Arinto/25% Verdelho. 60% of the blend…

Book Review and Wine Pairing; Foot Trodden-Portugal And The Wines That Time Forgot

Why does the wine-loving world have so little appreciation of Portuguese wines? Simon J. Woolf; Co-Author of Foot Trodden Book Review Over the course of the last few years, thanks to media samples and friends who import Portuguese wine, I’ve tasted scores of Portuguese wines. And you know what? The quote attributed above to Simon…

Wine of the Week: 2018 Quinta da Fonte Souto, Branco, DOC Alentejo, Portalegre

If all goes well, by the time you read this article, we will be on our way to Portugal! I figure a little pre-gaming is in order. About The Wines of Alentejo The Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo) is located in southern Portugal. It’s a sizable region about the size of the state of Massachusetts, that covers about a third…

Alentejo On My Mind; Part 2 – Exploring The Wines of Alentejo

Getting to know a wine region is a bit like getting to know a person. Time is an ally. Over the last year or so, I’ve had several opportunities to get to know the wines of Alentejo by means of educational and sample programs. The most recent educational program was focused on Alentejo’s award-winning sustainability…

Alentejo On My Mind; Part 1-Sustainability

“Sustainability is the new paradigm of the 21st century. Producers who do not make sustainability a core part of their business model will become progressively outdated, side-lined by consumers and, possibly, through new international policies.” João Barroso, Sustainability Coordinator, Wines of Alentejo Over the past year or so, I’ve participated in a few educational, and…

Pairing Maria Papoila Vinho Verde with Summer Pizza #WinePW

Lead by our host Cindy Rynning of Grape Experiences, this month the Wine Pairing Weekend bloggers are exploring the Portuguese wine region of Vinho Verde (pronounced vee-nyo-vaird). About Vinho Verde Vinho Verde is located in the cooly, rainy northwestern province of Minho. Its climate, affected by mountain ranges, valley and rivers, along with its mostly…

Wine of the Day: 2016 Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Secretum

This unique wine crafted from the indigenous Portuguese Arinto grape variety, is a distinctive wine that has me craving it with Lobster Ravioli! My tasting notes follow: Color – Very pale straw yellow Aromas – Very appealing Meyer lemon, ripe peach, sandalwood, and a hint of petrichor aromas Body – Full-bodied, complex and harmonious with vibrant…

Wine of the Day: 2015 Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Insurgente

If you haven’t been drinking Portuguese wines, I dare you to try this wine, and not want to buy more! This wine is a 50/50 blend of two indigenous Portuguese grapes – Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro.  The grapes are from one of Portugal’s most prominent wine regions, the Dão, located just south of the famous Douro Valley (home of…