This is a list of the 100 best Portuguese wines to drink in 2021. The Hot 100 wine list focuses on pleasure and what is ready to drink NOW. For that reason it mostly includes vibrant whites, young juicy reds and ready-to-drink cellar release reds. This is not a list based on style or price: … Continue reading Hot 100 Portuguese Wines
A winter day in the Armona island
A winter day visiting Armona, one of the beach islands of the Ria Formosa natural park in the Algarve. An old ferry boat, delicious seafood and good friends. What a way to spend the last Saturday of the year!
Sunset at Parque das Nações in Lisbon
A beautiful winter sunset at Parque das Nações in Lisbon to start the new year.
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2019
The 2019 edition of the Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book is coming out on the 6th of September. This is my second time contributing to the Pocket Wine Book after last year's inaugural edition. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to put it out there for the world to discover the addictive diversity of … Continue reading Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2019
Reserva Especial 2009: Could it have been a Barca Velha?
There’s a new Reserva Especial. 2009 has been officially declared a Reserva Especial year. Only the 17th edition of Reserva Especial since its was first released in 1960, Reserva Especial is an iconic Douro red wine. Only released by Casa Ferreirinha in years where, after ageing, bottling and regular tasting and consideration, it is finally not deemed … Continue reading Reserva Especial 2009: Could it have been a Barca Velha?
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2018
The Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2018 is out! After many visits and countless tastings I’ve selected only 150 Portuguese full entries but managed to mention many more. It includes recommendations of “best vintages” (for Barca Velha, for example) and “good values” (for many top reds, whites and Ports). Only a dozen of Top Winery … Continue reading Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2018
20 Years of Quinta do Monte d’Oiro
Fabulous tasting of 20 Years of Quinta do Monte d’Oiro, 1997 to 2017. Grégory Viennois (consultant winemaker) says Monte d’Oiro has the influence of Bordeaux (proximity to sea), influence of Rhone (Syrah and Viogner) and influence of Burgundy (single vineyard). I say it had to come from the Lisbon wine region. Some outstanding bottles like … Continue reading 20 Years of Quinta do Monte d’Oiro
A new Alentejo icon: Herdade do Peso Ícone 2014
A new Alentejo icon. Only 2nd edition. Irresistible Alicante Bouschet fruit (with dash of Syrah) from cool(er) Vidigueira terroir. World class winemaking by Luís Cabral de Almeida (ex Finca Flichman, Argentina). Direct addition to any Best of Alentejo wine list.
MUST Wine Summit 2017 (Cascais, Portugal, June 7-9)
The first ever global Wine Summit is happening next June in Portugal. For 3 consecutive days the new international wine conference will bring together a remarkable list of world-renowned speakers and participants to the beautiful seaside village of Cascais, 30 kilometres away from Lisbon. MUST is a one-of-a-kind meeting point. Wine industry leaders will get together to debate the wine sector, its ideas, … Continue reading MUST Wine Summit 2017 (Cascais, Portugal, June 7-9)
The 10 Favourite Restaurants and Chefs in Portugal in 2016 (by Mesa Marcada)
The results are out. The the 8th edition of the competition, organized by gastronomy blog Mesa Marcada (with a record-breaking jury of 147 gastronomy-related people), has awarded The 10 Favourite Restaurants and 10 Favourite Chefs in Portugal in 2016. Favourite Chef and Favourite Restaurant in 2016 Chef João Rodrigues and Feitoria Restaurant (run by the same chef) were … Continue reading The 10 Favourite Restaurants and Chefs in Portugal in 2016 (by Mesa Marcada)
Andre Ribeirinho 