Tag: portugal

This past year I tasted a tremendous number of wines from around the world, but some wines really resonated with me.  It may have been the great balance of fruit, sugar, acidity for a white wine, or the fruit, tannins and minerality in a red wine, or something else. Something that made the wine stand above the other wines.  Could…

Quinta de Soalheiro, a pioneer in the creation of Alvarinho wine in Melgaço, is an international benchmark for the wines of this grape variety, blending perfectly into the distinctive Minho landscape surrounding it. Located in Melgaço (Portugal’s northernmost point) it is protected by a range of mountains that create the conditions necessary for the best ripening of the Alvarinho grapes. History of the Family and the Brand…

Our Founder José Alberto Calvo Casajús was born in Quintana del Pidio. This small town is located on the foothills of the north side of the Duero Valley that shapes the appellation of Ribera del Duero. He had the privilege of growing up in the bosom of a winemaking family, thus, he was exposed at a very young age to…

History of Sanguinhal Wines One of the oldest wineries in Lisbon, Portugal, Agricola Sanguinhal was founded In 1926, by Abel Pereira da Fonseca. He was an innovator, with a passion for his family, grape-growing, and winemaking. He planted Sanguinhal’s first vines on virgin land, which has been farmed without the use of any harsh chemicals ever since, and is now certified…

The History of the House of Ramos Pinto The House Ramos Pinto, in Portugal, was founded in 1880 and for several decades, its history has been marked by a balance between innovation and respect for tradition. In the production and selection of the best grapes, in the systematic knowledge of the terroir and being the pioneer in the launching of…

What would you do if you owned a port house and it was celebrating its 325th birthday? Make a special 325 Special Edition Tawny Port of course!  And that is what Taylor Fladgate has done.  This special port has arrived in the Vancouver area and is available in 39 BC Liquor stores.  It comes in a special bottle as well,…

During the Wines of Portugal tasting that I was able to attend recently I had the opportunity to also have a short interview with Filipa Anunciação, the senior area manager from Wines of Portugal.  It was interesting to hear her answers to my questions.  I had a chance to speak with Nuno Vales from Wines of Portugal in 2014 and…

When someone asks you about your favourite wines from Europe, probably most people would say France or Italy, but there are other countries you should consider like Portugal.  There are more than 250 grape varieties in Portugal, giving the wine maker quite a selection when they make their red or white wines.  Some of these grapes, like Touriga Nacional can…

“Uniqueness in a Bottle“.  That about sums it up.  Portugal produces wines from grapes that are indigenous to their country.  I believe there are 250 grape varieties grown in Portugal.  I had been told before that during the ice age, not all of Portugal was covered in ice, and that is where the diverse range of grapes they now have…

Trying to think of an exceptional quality wine to buy for someone in your family or a special friend?  I have a few suggestions from the wines that I tasted over this past year.  These wines cover all regions of the world, and have different price points.  There should be something for everyone to love.  16 white and sparkling wines,…