andrerib Portugal, Wine

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?

andrerib Portugal, Wine

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

andrerib Fine Dining, Portugal, Restaurants

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)

andrerib Port Wine, Travel, Wine

A Wine & Soul renovation at Quinta da Manoella

Off to an exciting start of the year with a wine trip to the Douro Valley. During 3 days I’ve visited a few wineries, met and discussed with producers and  barrel-tasted some 2015s and 2016s wines. Definitely a promising year ahead with some very good releases in the horizon. ‪Wine & Soul's Douro winemaking couple Sandra Tavares da Silva & Jorge Serôdio Borges (of Pintas fame) are painstakingly restoring … Continue reading A Wine & Soul renovation at Quinta da Manoella

andrerib Port Wine, Travel, Wine

Visit and Vintage Tasting at Quinta do Noval

Off to an exciting start of the year with a wine trip to the Douro Valley. During 3 days I've visited a few wineries, met and discussed with producers and  barrel-tasted some 2015s and 2016s wines. Definitely a promising year ahead with some very good releases in the horizon. Despite not having much time available on the week schedule, I couldn't help stopping by Quinta do Noval para matar saudades and taste … Continue reading Visit and Vintage Tasting at Quinta do Noval

andrerib Fine Dining, Food, Portugal, Restaurants

An Amazing Night with Portuguese Michelin Star Chefs

A dinner with a Michelin starred Chef is (normally) something of an experience. When you put 12 of them together and add some great wines you prepare yourself for one of the meals of your life. That's what happened last night and it blew me away. The mood was set early. The 2nd day dinner of … Continue reading An Amazing Night with Portuguese Michelin Star Chefs