THE RIGHT CHOICE – Wine experts are often asked what wine pairs well with a particular dish or is best suited for a special event, or for suggestions of the perfect wine for a romantic date. Here’s a guide to those special tastes.
Valentine’s Day
If you’re planning a hot date this month, we have some cool wine recommendations to help you set the mood.
My choices:
– Dom Ferro Super Reserva Brut 2007, by Quinta do Ferro
– Quinta da Lapa Pinot Noir Reserve Red 2020, by Quinta da Lapa
– Esporão Aragonez Red 2016, by Herdade do Esporão
– Villa Alvor Sauvignon Blanc, by Villa Alvor
– Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal 5 years, by Bacalhôa
Carnival
This vibrant celebration, held before the solemnity of Lent, is characterized by lively parades, extravagant costumes, and an indulgent atmosphere. Every region in Portugal has its way of celebrating, and each comes with its local wines that capture the ethos and atmosphere of their version.
My choices:
– Madeira: Madeira Vintners 5 years Malvasia Sweet
– The Minho: Quinta da Calçada Reserva Branco
– Bairrada: Marquês de Marialva Bical Arinto Reserve Brut Sparkling 2019, by Adega de Cantanhede
– Lisbon: Caves Velhas Bucellas Arinto White 2023, by Caves Velhas
– Alentejo: Já Te Disse Alicante Bouschet
– Algarve: Tesouro Arinto/Verdelho Single Barrel 2020, by Quinta dos Santos
I am happy to share that my new article has already been published in the February issue of the Algarve Plus Magazine in Portugal.
The magazine is readable online or downloaded for free here.
Happy reading!
Or read here my whole article:
February Wine Guide
After a long January, we are finally in February, and the shortest month of the year is always overflowing with celebrations to brighten our days a bit.
As a wine expert, this season I’m often asked, “What wine pairs well with this dish?” or “What would be a great wine for this event?” So, to help answer all of those questions in one fell swoop, here is my monthly wine guide for you to explore the best wines that will surely please your palate.
When choosing winter wines, here are a few tips that can help. Since winter foods are generally heartier, you might want a wine that can stand up to rich, savory flavors. Think bold and fuller-bodied. And the drier, earthier varietals often win out over the refreshing and fruity. There’s nothing like a velvety, tannin-rich red to feel like you are wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.
FEBRUARY 14
Wine and romance go hand-in-hand. Why? Because it gives couples an excuse to set time aside to bask in each other’s company.
A great date night wine enhances the flavors of the meal you’re having, but more importantly, it’s a wine that you’ll both enjoy.
The general rule of thumb, however, is that red goes best with red meat, pork, and rich and heavy, slow-cooked dishes. White matches dishes with lighter, more delicate flavors, such as seafood, chicken, pasta with white sauces, and soft cheeses.
So if you’re planning a hot date night, I have some cool wine recommendations to help you set a warm and sexy mood.
• Dom Ferro Super Reserva Brut 2007, by Quinta do Ferro
The sound of popping a delicious bottle of Espumante is probably the most theatrical way to declare and celebrate your love. Sparkling wine is fantastic with an antipasti platter, prawns, oysters, and other seafood dishes.
This white sparkling wine from Vinho Verde was produced from the Avesso grape variety and has intense and fresh citrus fruit aromas. Its fine and persistent bubbles reveal optimal acidity.
• Quinta da Lapa Pinot Noir Reserve Red 2020, by Quinta da Lapa
The versatility of a light-bodied red wine can make your date flawless as it pairs with almost anything from earthy mushroom dishes to glazed pork or grilled salmon.
This Pinot Noir red wine from the Tejo region presents an elegant bouquet of ripe red fruit aromas, cherries and blackcurrants with balsamic notes and hints of dried herbs. The mouth is fresh and juicy with silky tannins, leading to a pleasant lingering finish.
• Esporão Aragonêz Red 2016, by Herdade do Esporão
This delicious red wine from the Alentejo region has an intense and lively nose with dominant ripe black fruit, such as aromas of ripe plums, some coffee notes and dark chocolate. Elegant, with ripe tannins well integrated, which together with its acidity provide good volume, body and freshness. Lingering finish dominated by ripe fruit aromas. It’s a great choice for red wine lovers, especially if there is steak, lamb, pasta with a rich tomato sauce, or pizza on the menu.
• Villa Alvor Sauvignon Blanc, by Villa Alvor
The best Sauvignon Blanc grapes are intended for this wine in the Algarve region. Intense aromas of grapefruit and passion fruit and the Elderberry flower appear smoothly on the nose. The harmony between acidity, structure and complexity of aromas enchants the most demanding palates. It pairs well with seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, steamed clams, and salt and pepper squid.
• Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal 5 years, by Bacalhôa
This light, sweet and fruity Moscatel wine is a wonderful date night partner. Golden topaz in color, with intense aromas and flavors of orange blossom, citrus fruits, bitter orange jam, raisins, figs and nuts. In the mouth is a full palate with an excellent balance between acidity and sugar richness.
It can be served on its own as an aperitif or it’s also excellent with fragrant Asian or spicy Indian food. And, of course, its sweet flavors pair wonderfully with dessert.
CARNIVAL
As the vibrant colors of confetti dance through the air and the rhythmic beats of drums echo throughout the streets, it’s clear that Carnival in Portugal is a feast for the senses. This vibrant celebration, held before the solemnity of Lent, is characterized by lively parades, extravagant costumes, and an indulgent atmosphere. But amid the revelry, there’s another factor that weaves itself through the fabric of Carnival – wine.
The origins of these festivals can often be traced back to ancient pagan springs and fertility rites, making them steeped in history and tradition. Every region in Portugal has its way of celebrating this transient festival, and each comes with its local wines that remarkably capture the ethos of that celebration.
So, raise your glass and toast to the magic of Carnival in Portugal—a journey that captures not only the spirit of celebration but also the profound connection between food, wine, and the richness of regional culture.
The vibrant streets of Madeira
In Madeira, the carnival is an enchanting affair that brings the streets to life. Known for its grand parades and flamboyant costumes, the residents come together to celebrate with music, dance, and joyous feasting. Here, the Madeira wine takes center stage. This fortified wine, which can be produced in a variety of styles – from dry to sweet – is a staple at every Carnival festivity.
During the festivities, many locals enjoy ‘Malvasia,’ a luscious sweet wine that pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy flavors of traditional Madeiran sweets and dishes. The sweet and salty combinations found in the region’s cuisine, like ‘Bolo do Caco’ (a sweet potato bread), are enhanced by a sip of Malvasia.
My pick: Madeira Vintners 5 years Malvasia Sweet
The wine from hand-picked Malvasia grapes aged in wooden casks for 5 years, in high temperatures, has developed complete and intense aromas of honey, raisin, figs, caramel and dried fruits. A full-bodied, very balanced and pleasant wine with good acidity.
Vinho Verde vibrancy
Heading onto the mainland, the Minho region boasts the famous Vinho Verde – a refreshing wine perfect for an invigorating Carnival experience. This light, slightly effervescent wine is made primarily from the Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes and pairs wonderfully with local dishes such as ‘Francesinha’, a hearty sandwich layered with various types of meat and covered in a spicy tomato sauce.
Local street vendors often feature petiscos (Portuguese tapas), including seafood delicacies and chouriço (smoked sausage). A chilled glass of Vinho Verde by your side is all you need to toast the spirit of the carnival, invigorating both body and soul as you dance into the night.
My pick: Quinta da Calçada Reserva Branco
The Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes come from the best parcels of the Quinta. Then, fermented in stainless steel tanks, resulted in a citrus-colored wine with slight golden nuances. Elegant wine with persistent aromas of white fruits, floral notes, good minerality, and crunchy acidity.
The flavors of Bairrada
As we travel into central Portugal, specifically the Bairrada area, Carnival becomes a blend of rustic charm and traditional merriments. The region is famous for its sparkling wines, called Espumante, which rivals the best sparkling wines in the world.
Carnival here features parades, and the foods reflect the hearty and rustic character of the region, with leitão (suckling pig) taking the limelight. What better way to complement this mouthwatering dish than with a glass of Bairrada’s sparkling white? The bubbles in the Espumante cut through the richness of the pork, making every bite even more delightful.
My pick: Marquês de Marialva Bical Arinto Reserve Brut Sparkling 2019, by Adega de Cantanhede
This sparkling blend of the Bical and Arinto grapes presents fine and persistent bubbles. Intense and complex aromas of dried fruits and light toasted notes. On the palate, fruity, crunchy, fresh and elegant mousse with a long finish.
Lisbon, a cosmopolitan carnival
Lisbon’s carnival is a true cosmopolitan affair, drawing influences from around the world and combining them with local culture. The city transforms into a dazzling spectacle of music, dance, and creativity.
When it comes to wine, several delightful options are available. The city’s wine bars and taverns buzz with the excitement of carnival, serving glasses of aromatic, young wines from Bucelas, known for their smooth tannins.
These wines pair wonderfully with the grilled sardines and bacalhau (salted cod) that are often part of Lisbon’s Carnival feast.
My pick: Caves Velhas Bucellas Arinto White 2023, by Caves Velhas
Typical of the Arinto varietal, defined citrus color with slight greenish hints. Predominant aromas of exotic and citrus fruits, flowers and white pulp fruits. A harmonious and very elegant wine with a fruity flavor and lively freshness. Good match with fish, seafood, and grilled white meats.
Rural rhythms and traditions
In the Alentejo region, the rhythms of rural life are celebrated. Traditional songs and dances fill the villages, and the local cuisine highlights the use of quality meats, cheeses, and rustic bread. Wine in this verdant land is usually robust, with the full-bodied reds emerging as the champions of the region. The Alentejo wines, primarily produced from Aragonez and Trincadeira grapes, are known for their smooth, fruit-forward profiles, making them perfect companions for the hearty fare of carnival.
My pick: Já Te Disse Alicante Bouschet
This special edition of red wines from the Alicante Bouschet grape presents a medium purple color in the glass. Intense sweet tobacco and black pepper aromas, blended with notes of black plum, black cherry and blackberry. A young and contained wine that is dense and silky on the palate. Excellent structure, strong acidity, and robust but somewhat raw tannins. Persistent finish, revealing the aging potential of the wine.
Carnival by the coast
Finally, as we reach the picturesque shores of the Algarve, carnival bursts forth into a vibrant Mediterranean fiesta. With a glass of crisp Algarve white wine in hand, locals and visitors mingle as the celebrations unfold. The local wines are refreshing and fruity, with white varietals such as Arinto and Verdelho being favored. Paired with seafood paella or grilled fish, these wines elevate the experience and keep the spirits alive.
My pick: Tesouro Arinto/Verdelho Single Barrel 2020, by Quinta dos Santos
The Arinto and Verdelho grapes were fermented separately, then racked and mixed in a single barrel. The result is a fresh, elegant white wine with citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Goes well with Cataplana, risotto with clams, or duck breast.
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