Wines of Portugal brochure
Transcription
Wines of Portugal brochure
To purchase any of the wines featured in this brochure, please visit The Wine Shop on the Lower Ground Floor, or alternatively, phone 020 78938777 or email wineshop@harrods.com Food Halls Complimentary Delivery Service Spend £50 or more on any products in the Food Halls, including The Wine Shop and receive free delivery to SW1, SW3, SW7, SW10, W1, W8, W11, W14, NW1 Plus, you can now book a two-hour time slot to suit your schedule. Visit our Ground Floor Food Order desk for more information or call 020 7893 8093. All wines listed are 75cl and all spirits 70cl unless otherwise specified. Stocks are limited and subject to availability. The right is reserved to withdraw stock or alter prices without notice if the cost of replacement rises or falls due to fluctuation in supplier prices, exchange rates, duty or VAT. Vintages may change without notice. Contents WINE TASTING EVENTS DÃO 2 20 ALENTEJO Casa de Santar Monte Cascas Quinta dos Carvailhais Azamor INTRODUCING PORTUGAL 4 Quinta da Falorca J. Portugal Ramos Vinhos WINERY REGIONS 5 Alianca Paulo Laureano VINHO VERDE 6 LISBOA Companhia Agricola do Sanguinhal Anselmo Mendes DOURO Duorum Quinta do Crasto Niepoort 26 8 39 Crabbie’s Quinta do Pinto CARCAVELOS BEER OF THE MONTH 31 29 CHAMPAGNE OF THE MONTH 40 Laurent-Perrier Quinta de Bela Vista Francois Lurton SETÚBAL Quinta da Leda Casa Ermelinda Freitas SPIRIT OF THE MONTH Quinta do Vallado Quinta de Bacalhoa Gabriel-Boudier 30 44 Quinta da Romaneira Prats & Symington Quinta de la Rosa winery regions • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 1 Portugal Tasting Tuesday 26th July 2011, 7pm – 9pm The Wine Shop, Lower Ground Floor Renowned for its fortified wines, few are aware that Portugal also boasts a wealth of quality white, red and rosé wines from historic grape varieties unseen in the rest of the world. The unknown is always a little daunting, but we assure you that this is one surprise you’ll love. Over 30 different Portuguese wines will be available to taste, each handpicked to represent Portugal’s great diversity and variety. Canapés will be served to arouse the palate and industry experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. And that’s not all, we will also be offering an indulgent 10% off all promotional bottles on the evening. £30 per person For more details or to book any tickets please call The Wine Shop on 020 7893 8777 or email wineshop@harrods.com. 2 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • Tasting Events Upcoming Events An introduction to Sake A Taste Of Tuscany Wine Tasting Tuesday 2nd August 2011, 7pm – 9pm The Tasting Room, Lower Ground Floor Tuesday 20th September 2011, 7pm – 9pm The Wine Shop, Lower Ground Floor Covering everything sake related – from its origins and etiquette, to its ingredients and production – this is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and the intrigued to further their understanding of one of the world’s most complex and enigmatic drinks. The course will be hosted by influential sake specialists, including founding members of the Sake Sommelier Association: Xavier Chapelou and Kumiko Ohta. If you can’t join us for a sun-drenched mini-break to Italy, The Wine Shop can at least help you imagine that you can. Come along to our Taste of Tuscany wine evening, where we will guide you through a hand-selected collection of over 30 wines and canapés to match. An additional 10% off all promotional wines will be offered on the night to help you get every last drop out of your Tuscan experience. Not only will guests gain an understanding of the different styles of sake, they will also be able to savour some of the finest rice wines available and receive a qualification certificate. £35 per person £70 per person Dei Frescobaldi Tuscan Food & Wine Pairing Friday 30th September 2011, 7pm – 10pm Dei Frescobaldi, Lower Ground Floor This special event focuses on a selection of six wines from one of the oldest producers in Tuscany. These special wines will be paired with three special courses from Frescobaldi’s new, fresh for Autumn menu. The event will be hosted by a Frescobaldi wine expert who will talk through the various pairings and why they work together – all in the vibrant surrounds of the Lower Ground Floor’s Dei Frescobaldi Restaurant. £xx per person For more details or to book any tickets please call The Wine Shop on 020 7893 8777 or email wineshop@harrods.com. Tasting Events • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 3 Introducing PORTUGAL This month we are celebrating the wines of Portugal, whose huge repertoire of indigenous grape varieties provide a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous international varieties grown around the world. Portugal has largely ignored the fashionable trends that have swept over most wine producing countries and can offer wines that you just can’t find anywhere else. Port is the countries’ best known export, a fortified red wine from the Douro Valley, however we are focusing on the wealth of Portugal’s unfortified wines plus a few fortifieds from other regions, which have been produced for centuries. There are 323 different grape varieties in Portugal and the vineyards are often a jumble of these. Common red grapes include Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo or Aragonez), Tinto Franca, Alfrocheiro, Tinto Cão, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional; whites often include Loueiro, Fernão Pires, Arinto and Encruzado to name just a few. However Portugal is not entirely without the big international varieties, and Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also sometimes thrown into the mix. Portuguese wines are typically a complex blend of these varieties, a result of decades of experience and know-how. Red and white wines are often labelled simply according to colour – Tinto and Branco – because the exact blend can often be quite extensive, but don’t let that put you off, as Aristotle once said ‘the sum of the whole is greater than its parts.’ 4 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • introducing Portugal winery regions Vinho Verde Douro Dão Lisboa Atlantic Ocean Setúbal Alentejo winery regions • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 5 Vinho Verde Vinho Verde is the largest Denominação de Origem Controllada (DOC) in Portugal and covers the north-west corner of the country, where cool, wet weather prevails. Vinho Verde translates literally as ‘green wine’, no doubt referring to the youth and vivacity of wines produced here. The area boasts excellent reds and even sparkling whites, although it is the still white varieties, dominated by Loureiro, Padernã and Alvarinho, that have prospered most here due to the perfectly cool conditions. 6 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • VINHO VERDES Anselmo Mendes Anselmo Mendes is one of the leading producers in the Vinho Verde appellation, with considerable skill and knowledge built over a lifetime working with vines and in vineyard consultancy work across the country. Mendes’ own estate is situated in the Monção sub region where he grew up, with a family already dedicated to winemaking and agriculture. This region is also famed for its Alvarinhos, a variety that Mendes is particularly passionate about. In 1998 he made his first Alvarinho wine – the Muros Malgaço – and since then has grown and developed the range, which is now highly regarded around the world. Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2010 This white wine has aromas of citrus and seaside air with a faint whiff of sweet peach. The palate has good weight and body with a dominance of lime zest, complemented by ripe peach and nectarine notes. Lovely long and fresh, this white will pair perfectly with Rock oysters. Usual Price £24.50 Promo Price £19.95 VINHO VERDES • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 7 Douro The Douro is a mountainous region in Northern Portugal; the steep banks which mark the region were forged by the River Douro, and are lined by narrow stone-walled terraces supporting vines. This historic region, now deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, produces some of the best known fortified wines in the world, collectively known as Port. Despite the area’s heritage and world-famous Port-producing status, unfortified wines were actually produced in this region long before Port supplanted its popularity. And now these rich, complex wines are making an exciting comeback. Duorum On the steep banks of the upper Douro around Vila Nova de Foz Coa and Castelo Melhor, lies a new plantation, with more than 250 hectares going under vine. This is a massive undertaking, and outstrips the normal size of neighbouring vineyards many times. This is the culmination of shared dream between two of Portugal’s great winemakers José Maria Soares Franco and Joao Portugal Ramos of Vila Santa (see page 39), who are working in partnership to produce outstanding quality table wines in a valley where Port has always held sway. Tons de Duorum white 2010 This crisp white has an intense aroma dominated by tropical and citrus fruits, as well as floral and mineral aromas that contribute to its complexity. A well-balanced mouthfeel blends with the flavours apparent on the nose and combines them with a refreshing acidity. This is a perfect white for an aperitif or to drink with seafood. Usual Price £12.50 Promo Price £9.95 8 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO Quinta do Crasto Situated on the North bank of the river Douro, half way between Regua and Pinhao, Quinta do Crasto is one of the finest red wine producing estates in Portugal. Like other great Douro quintas, its origins lie in ancient times and has been in the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for over a century. References to Quinta do Crasto date as far back as the early seventeenth century, long before the Douro became the world’s first demarcated wine region in 1756. The winemaking philosophy here is the same for all of the red wines, with pure ripe fruit from traditional Douro varieties, overlaid with clean barrique ageing and extremely smooth tannins. Crasto Douro Superior 2009 Lifted aromas of fresh blackcurrant, combine with elegant bush and spice characters. Predominantly Touriga Nacional, this wine is incredibly well-balanced and smooth, with a solid structure and fine, well-integrated tannins. Great acidity buoys the mouthfeel of this red, developing into a pleasant, well balanced and persistent finish. Usual Price £19.95 Promo Price £17.95 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 9 Niepoort When British families were flocking to the Douro Valley in the 1800s, the Niepoort family from the Netherlands had the same plan. Established in 1842 the Niepoort estate has been a staunchly independent, family owned business ever since. The lodges are located in the historical centre of Vila Nova de Gaia; a magical place where Port wines are aged in old casks, bottles or demijohns. Although traditionally a port producer, Dirk Niepoort the fifth generation who now leads the company, began creating still wines in the early 1990s. Girosol, Dócil, Loureiro 2009 Vinho Verde This 100% Loureiro wine comes from its traditional origin, the valley of Lima, where it grows on granite soils. Floral and citrus aromas gently infuse the nose, and follow onto the remarkably fresh palate before a long and elegant finish with a mineral note. Usual Price £17.95 Promo Price £14.95 10 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO Redoma Branco 2009 Redoma Tinto 2007 Moscatel 37.5cl This Douro white wine is a blend of many different indigenous varieties fermented using wild yeast in French oak barrels, with a further eight months ageing on lees.The result is an impressive wine with good complexity and a fine minerality. It has aromas of apricots and white peaches alongside a subtle smoky character. Light and elegant with a dry, toasty appeal this wine has excellent freshness and a long finale. Redoma is produced from several old vineyards in the centre of the Douro region. It is rich in colour, with red and black macerated berry aromas, black plum and spiced notes, and with plenty of Douro personality. The palate is defined with vibrant acidity and a well integrated tannic structure. In this wine, the fruit is present but it is balanced by a strong mineral character. The Muscat variety is for Dirk Niepoort one of the great varieties of the world. Portugal has a long tradition of producing Moscatel, especially in the regions of Setubal and Douro.This one is a full-bodied wine with a good structure and high acidity level to both balance the sugar content and guarantee a fresh tasting wine. Delicious orange peel Muscat notes are apparent throughout. Usual Price £43.95 Promo Price £39.50 Six Bottle Case Price £207 Usual Price £23.95 Promo Price £ 19.95 Usual Price £23.95 Promo Price £19.95 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 11 FRANCOIS LURTON Having grown up in one of Bordeaux’s most respected winemaking families, Francois Lurton spent the last 20 years as a flying winemaker, jetting between continents in his quest to create fine wines at affordable prices. In 2004 he began his Portuguese wine venture, inspired by the deep ancestral traditions and beautiful old vineyards of the Duoro Valley. Barco Negro, a blend of classic Portuguese varieties, is named in honour of barcos rabelo – the traditional sailing boats that once transported the port-heavy black casks along the turbulent river to the docks. Barco Negro 2008 Quite serious in structure and style, this wine has rich fruit aromas, with layers of hazelnuts and spice. Ripe tannins bring a firm structure to a fleshy mid-palate, but exceptional balance maintains an overall perception of suppleness. Delicious with juicy stewed pork, fresh clams or succulent grilled meat. Usual Price £13.95 Promo Price £11.50 Six Bottle Case Price £54 12 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO QUINTA DA LEDA Quinta da Leda is Sogrape’s most contemporary winery in the Douro region, crafting wines from grapes with maturation and balance. President of Sogrape Vinhos, Salvador Guedes says: “Our passion for great wines led us on a search for the unique flavours of Portugal’s fine wine regions”. His high quality Callabriga regional range continues to cause a stir with its award-winning Dão, Douro and Alentejo wines. Callabriga Douro 2007 A modern, fruit-driven wine with intense and complex aromas of ripe red fruits with hints of cedar and eucalyptus, alongside nutmeg and pepper. Full bodied, with a good balance of fruit, tannins and acidity, this wine culminates in a long, complex finish. In the glass, is really packs a punch and, unsurprisingly, this red won the International Wine Challenge gold medal in 2010. Usual Price £16.95 Promo Price £13.95 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 13 QUINTA DO VALLADO Quinta do Vallado has been in the capable hands of the Ferreira family since 1818, with sixth generation Francisco Ferreira currently at the helm. The estate is located at the confluence of the rivers Corgo and Douro, and presides over 38 hectares of vines, roughly 40% of which are over 80 years old. The construction of a new winery in 1997 ushered in a higher level of quality, which has lead to the beautifully presented fruit in the wines. While Vallado is known as one of the most progressive wineries in the region, there remains a nod to tradition in all that they do here; evident in the age-old foot-treading of certain batches of grapes! 14 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO Moscatel Galego 2010 Vinho Tinto, Reserva 2008 Produced from 100% Moscatel Galego, this wine has a lovely subtle aromatic nose, redolent of rose petals. It has good depth with ripe peachy fruit and floral characters, completed by a fresh finish. A rich, powerful, concentrated Portuguese red, which sits at the full-bodied end of the spectrum. Savoury, brambly, black fruit are present throughout balancing ripe tannins and lingering onto a long finish. Usual Price £13.50 Promo Price £10.95 Usual Price £35 Promo Price £28.95 QUINTA DA ROMANEIRA Quinta da Romaneira is situated in the Cima Corgo district, in the heart of the Douro Valley. This superb location, runs along two kilometres of the Douro River and provides ideal conditions for the production of high quality wines. Christian Seely, who is known for his extensive experience at the renowned Quinta do Noval, bought the Romananeira estate in 2004 and has since replanted extensive vineyards here with the principal aim of producing dry wines, and a small range of Ports. Douro Red 2005 Rich, complex and spicy, this is an intense and powerful red exuding notes of red berries and spiced plums. On the palate it is structured and spicy, with wild berry fruit characters. Powerful but ripe, rounded tannins support the juicy fruit and lead to a long, spicy finish. Usual Price £44.90 Promo Price £38.95 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 15 PRATS & SYMINGTON The Symingtons are one of the great wine families of Portugal, with links to the region stretch back as far as the 1600s, and a collection of Port houses – including Dow’s, Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Warre’s and even Harrods own – that combine to make them the largest landowner in the Douro. The family’s table wine production however only dates back to 1999. These still wines are crafted at a hi-tech winery based at Quinta do Sol with fruit coming from two of the region’s finest vineyards – the Quinta de Atayde and Quinta dos Assares. Recently, the renowned family have entered into a partnership with Bruno Prats, formerly of leading Bordeaux Château Cos D’Estournel to produce the Chryseia wines which have rapidly become some of the finest of the region. 16 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO Prazo do Roriz 2008 P+S Post Scriptum 2008 Made exclusively at Quinta do Roriz, this versatile red is ready to drink now, but will also benefit from one or two years bottle age. It has a sweet aromatic nose, bearing notes of redcurrant, cherry and chocolate, wonderfully smooth this wine boasts good depth and structure. A blend of Touriga Franca,Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barrocca, harvested from plots at Quinta do Vesúvio, Perdiz and Bomfim. The 2008 Post Scriptum has a deep garnet hue, and fresh blackcurrant aromas, with a soft supple mouthfeel. Dark chocolate and blackcurrant characters balance the fresh acidity and silky wellrounded tannins. P+S Chryseia 2007 Deep ruby, almost purple in colour, Chryseia is one of the pioneers of the now widelyrecognised resurgence of non-fortified Douro wines and the flagship of the Prats and Symington range.The 2007 has intense savoury, smokey bacon and redcurrant aromas.The palate has lovely concentration with earthy, dark chocolate nuances, resting on firm savoury tannins and a dry finish, with hints of smoke and flint. Usual Price £21.95 Promo Price £18.50 Usual Price £49.95 Promo Price £42.95 Usual Price £13.95 Promo Price £10.95 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 17 QUINTA DE LA ROSA Claire Feuheerd received Quinta de la Rosa as a christening present in 1906. Today the estate is owned and run by her granddaughter Sophia Bergqvist alongside Sophia’s father, Tim. After a dormant period, Quinta de la Rosa ports were launched in 1988 and, then in the 1990s, the family were one of the driving forces behind quality table wine production in the Douro. The estate consists of 55 hectares of vineyards, which climb from the very edge of the river Douro up to 400 metres above sea level. Most lie on south-facing schistous terraces, and include old, low-yielding vines of over 50 years in age. The estate style is an intriguing balance of power and elegance. 18 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • DOURO Quinta das Bandeiras, Passagem White 2009 Quinta das Bandeiras sits a little further up the valley than most and is a joint venture between winemaker, Jorge Moreira, and the Bergqvis family. The nose presents a medley of ripe honeyed fruit characters. To taste, this wine has a full-bodied, rich flavour with plenty of citrus fruit and a creamy note which lingers on to the finish. Usual Price £19.95 Promo Price £17.95 Six Bottle Case Price £90 La Rosa Tinto 2008 La Rosa Reserve 2007 The 2008 has a spectacularly dense colour with profound flavours of dark berries and herbaceous undertones. There is plenty of richness and volume on the palate, with a savoury character and mature tannins giving the wine an overall rounded, balanced flavour whilst maintaining its freshness. It finishes with fantastic length that lingers on the palate. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão and Touriga Franca, The Reserve is polished and well-rounded with sweet and savoury aromas. It has a sweet, lush palate, with firm tannins which envelop blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate notes. Best when enjoyed with red meats and cheese, especially Portuguese Serra cheese. Usual Price £18.50 Promo Price £15.50 Usual Price £34.50 Promo Price £31.50 Six Bottle Case Price £162 DOURO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 19 Dao South of the famous port-producing Douro Valley, the Dão is a vision of mountains and valleys, where vines are planted on granite soil between 200 and 400 metres above sea level. This location, combined with hot days and cool nights, allow for the cultivation of extremely high quality grapes. 20 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • Dão CASA DE SANTAR Casa de Santar centres around a beautiful manor house and picturesque gardens, located in the heart of the Dão wine region. With 200 hectares of vines, winemaker Carlos Lucas produces classic reds from Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinto Roriz, and exciting whites from Encruzado, Arinto and Cercial. Although relatively unknown, the estate has been producing wine since the 17th century and was one of the very first properties to use oak barriques to age their wines. Vinho Branco 2010 This Dão white has a full creamy nose with citrus and stone fruit notes, particularly apricot. A mineral tone comes to the fore on the palate creating a fresh, lean mouthfeel which combines with a hint of creamy oak texture, developed through oak fermentation. A perfect pairing for chicken or seafood dishes. Usual Price £14.95 Promo Price £12.50 Dão • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 21 QUINTA DOS CARVALHAIS In 1942, Fernando van Zeller Guedes and partners, founded the Sociedade Comercial dos Grandes Vinhos de Mesa de Portugal (now known as SOGRAPE Vinhos S.A.). Sogrape’s ambition was for Portuguese wines to be known all over the world. Quinta dos Carvalhais, is part of their portfolio and an estate that spearheaded Dão’s renaissance. Today it is recognised as a specialist brand, with a range of premium wines and an individual style that reflects the region’s elegance and diversity. Duque de Viseu Branco 2009 Simple yet refreshing, the Duque de Viseu boasts subtle aromas, with a prevalence of tropical and citrus fruits. Finely balanced acidity and a lively character distinguish this white wine that is perfect for sipping on its own or combining with fresh, light meals such as fish, salads and pasta. Usual Price £11.95 Promo Price £9.95 22 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • Dão Touriga Nacional 2000 Made exclusively from Touriga Nacional, this wine is complex, savoury and rustic. Flavours of cassis, violets and spice, as well as more aged leather and meaty notes are evident in the mouth. The structure is clear and like good cheese the age of this wine has made it, just that bit more appealing. Delectable when paired with meat, game and cheese. Usual Price £28.95 Promo Price £24.95 QUINTA DA FALORCA Falorca is one of four vineyards making up the Quinta Vale Das Escadinhas estate. With an impressive winemaking tradition nurtured over five generations, the estate was originally established by the Costa Barros de Figueiredo family. Spanning 13 hectares in the premium Silgueiros sub-region of Dão, the four vineyards rest on the steep banks of the Dão river, facing south with full exposure to the sun, resulting in ripe and juicy grapes. Reserva Lagar 2004 The Reserva Lagar is dark in colour with a soft bouquet of red fruit. The palate features an elegant balance between ripe fruit characters and notes of vanilla, chocolate and spice originating from the oak maturation are also present. A certain complexity continues through the firm tannins, resulting in a wine of great elegance. Usual Price £29.95 Promo Price £24.95 Dão • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 23 Alianca Established in 1927, Alianca is one of Portugal’s largest and most progressive producers, with a total of 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions of the country, from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Quinta da Garrida is located in the Dão region on poor, granite soils. Head winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees the entire portfolio and what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe. The wines tend to maintain a distinct Portuguese character, whilst leaning towards a fresh and modern, fruit-forward style. 24 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • Dão Quinta da Garrida Reserva 2007 A blend of Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional aged for 12 months in French and American oak, this wine has charming floral notes on the nose, bolstered by ripe berry fruit characters. Combining classic Portuguese characters with polished, modern winemaking, the 2007 has good balance and a juicy black cherry appeal. Usual Price £11.95 Promo Price £8.95 Quinta da Garrida Touriga Nacional 2007 Made from one of the classic Portuguese varieties, Touriga Nacional, this wine is rich and hearty with savoury characters. Powerfully construed it has an almost portlike concentration with black fruit characters and a toasty finish. Perfect for traditional Portuguese dishes such as pork or beef marinated in red wine and garlic. Usual Price £18.95 Promo Price £16.50 Dão • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 25 Lisboa This is Portugal’s most productive region and was, until quite recently, called Estremadura. This small coastal region occupies an area surrounding the west and north of the capital, Lisbon. A range of wine styles are produced here and a number of sub-regions also exist, including a windy cool region to the east called Óbido. 26 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • LISBOA Companhia Agricola do Sanguinhal Established in the 1920s by Abel Pereira da Fonseca to administer the properties he already owned in the region. The company is still in the hands of the Pereira da Fonseca family who have renewed and expanded the business over the years, and now comprises 100 hectares over three estates: Quinta das Cerejeiras, Quinta do Sanguinhal and Quinta de São Francisco. The Quinta das Cerejeiras estate produces red and white AOC Óbidos wines, the most famous of which is the Reserva – one of the oldest Portuguese wines. Quinta das Cerejeiras, Reserva 2004 Óbidos Assembled from 40% Castelão, 30% Touriga Nacional and 30% Tinta Roriz, this traditionalstyle wine is aged for 24 months in French oak and has a ruby brown hue. The aroma is reminiscent of cherry jam and vanilla. The rather polished palate has a good balance of fruit, oak and acidity. Soft and velvety throughout, this wine should be decanted to release its full potential. Usual Price £24.95 Promo Price £21.95 LISBOA • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 27 Quinta do Pinto Located north of Lisbon, this 120-hectare property surrounds a 17th-century manor house. Records show the Cardaso Pinto family have owned and made wine at the farm for many centuries. The vineyards here are planted on gently drained slopes facing the southern sun exposure and protected from northern winds by the Montejunto mountain. The soils are argilo-calcarious, from the Jurassic period and are cooled by their proximity to the Atlantic ocean. All in all, this area provides the perfect microclimate for producing fine wines. Branco 2008 Estremadura This wine is made with a blend of white varieties Fernão Pires and Arinto which have a strong aromatic potential and together are an exceptional example of a typical Lisbon regional white wine. Exuberant white flower aromas complement exotic tropical fruit notes. Fresh, light and aromatic it is perfect with seafood and fish dishes. Usual Price £17.95 Promo Price £14.95 28 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • LISBOA Carcavelos The tiny demarcated region of Carcavelos (AOC) is perhaps one of the smallest wine regions in the world. Located on the Estoril coast, just outside of Lisbon, Carcavelos’ notoriety grew rapidly in the early twentieth century for the production of both dry and sweet fortified wines made from Galego Dourado, with an average alcohol content of 20% abv. It is, however, moving into extinction due to Lisbon’s continued urban expansion. Quinta da Bela Vista Quinta da Bela Vista dates from the beginning of the last century, but the origin of the Carcavelos wine goes further back in time to when it was drunk by kings and noblemen. Quality reached its peak in the twenties and thirties, a golden era for exportation, and the Quinta da Bela Vista Carcavelos wine won prizes at exhibitions and contests, both at national and international levels. During the fifties, a plague fell upon Carcavelos for which there was no antidote – urbanisation. Quinta da Bela Vista resisted up until 1969, the year of the last harvest on the last surviving hectare. These days, only a small amount of stock remains. Carcavelos A precious reminder of the glorious fortified wines of Carcavelos, the Quinta da Bela Vista is around 60 years old and was crafted from a blend of old vintages. Made almost exclusively from the Galego Dourado variety it has a strong nutty character, particularly peanuts and walnuts, which infuse with rich caramel nuances and hints of toffee apples, tempered by the high alcohol content, elevated acidity and a wonderfully long finish. Usual Price £115 CARCAVELOS • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 29 Setubal The Setúbal peninsula lies across the estuary of the River Tagus, directly south of Lisbon. The land here is mainly flat and sandy, with the exception of the Serra da Arrábida – a short chain of mountains running along the south coast of the peninsula. It is on these mountain slopes that vines for the famously sweet Moscatel de Setúbal wines are planted and flourish. CASA ERMELINDA FREITAS Casa Ermelinda Freitas is a relatively new wine producer, based in the Setúbal peninsula, south of Lisbon. It is named after Ermelinda Freitas, who began the family business with her husband in 1997. They have both dedicated their lives to producing wine and now their only daughter, Leonor Freitas is at the helm. Alongside a range of red and white wines, the estate also produces fortified Setúbal Moscatels. 30 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • SETÚBAL Moscatel de Setúbal Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 2000 This fortified Moscatel rests at 17.5% abv and spends 24 months in French oak before release. The result is a rich, tawny liquid, with an orange and jasmine-scented nose. A herbal note envelops the palate, reminiscent of green tea, bitter chocolate and orange peel. Zesty and complex, this delicious dessert wine will improve further with a good 20 years in the cellar. An exquisite moscatel, the Superior is fortified with grappa to reach 19% abv and maintains a well-balanced level of natural sweetness. Unfiltered, it is slightly cloudy and tawny orange in colour, due to its maturation in French oak over five years. Rich and complex with aromas of honey, white blossom, orange peel and earl grey tea, this moscatel is almost bourbon-esque in flavour. One for sipping after dinner, this fortified wine warrants special attention and has at least 50 years of life in it. Usual Price £17.50 Promo Price £14.50 Usual Price £56.50 Promo Price £49.95 SETÚBAL • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 31 QUINTA DA BACALHOA Formerly owned by the Portuguese royal family, the Quinta da Bacalhôa estate dates back to the early 15th century, and is considered to be the most beautiful Portuguese estate from this era. Situated in Azeitão, the estate is a classified national monument and currently belongs to the Berardo Foundation. Comendador José Berardo is currently at the helm and has led the way in revitalising the vineyards and revamping the old winery – two considerable investments which have certainly impacted upon the quality of the wines produced here. 32 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • SETUBAL Tinto 2008 Branco 2008 This estate-grown blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has a savoury nose with black fruit nuances, complemented by notes of wood and spice. The dark fruit characters are intensified in the mouth and combine with spicy oak notes and smooth tannins before finishing on a fine mineral note. A blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of native Alvarinho grape, gives this white a complex and toasty bouquet with notes of passion fruit, apricot and grapefruit. With six months of oak ageing, this wine has some serious structure backed by ripe citrus and stone fruit characters, resulting in a zesty, fullbodied wine. Usual Price £18.95 Promo Price £15.95 Usual Price £18.95 Promo Price £15.95 Tinta da Anfora Grand Escolha 2006 Alentejo Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional with just a touch of Syrah come together through the traditional foot-trodden method to make quite a complex, serious wine. Morello cherry and plum aromas combine with liquorice and toast and vanilla notes glide over a firm structure. Complex and long, this wine has great long-term ageing ability. Usual Price £24.95 Promo Price £22.95 Six Bottle Case Price £120 SETUBAL • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 33 Alentejo Known as the ‘bread basket’ of Portugal, Alentejo has staked a claim as one of the country’s most significant red wine area. This arid region of wide, rolling vistas is bordered to the south by the Algarve and north by the banks of the rivers Tejo and Sado. The key white varieties grown here are Roupeiro, Antão and Rabo de Ovelha, while reds of this area tend to comprise Tinta Roriz, Trincadeira, Castelão and Alicante Bouschet. 34 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • ALENTEJO MONTE CASCAS The Mote Cascas estate was created by two talented, young Portuguese winemakers – Frederico Gomes and Helder Cunha – who shared a vision of invigorating traditional winemaking practises to produce quality wines with intrinsic balance and heritage. Their joint venture was devised whilst working in California – an experience that taught them the importance of selecting the best vineyards and working closely with winegrowers to bring out regional characteristics. Monte Cascas pioneers this vision, with a repertoire of expressive wines from each of the best wine-growing regions of Portugal. Vinho Tinto Reserva 2008 A blend of 90% Alicante Bouschet and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a vibrant, red fruit nose that is reminiscent of crab apples. Well-balanced with a juicy, fresh character and flavours of lush black fruits and plums. This is a delicious wine that will suit all palates. Usual Price £21.95 Promo Price £18.95 ALENTEJO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 35 AZAMOR The family-owned estate of Azamor was purchased in 1998 by Alison and Joaquim Luiz-Gomes and has since built a reputation for good quality, fruit-driven wines of excellent value. Azamor is located in the east between Borba and Elvas, and, as one of the highest points in the region, enjoys spectacular views over Spain. The vineyards here are densely planted, resulting in low-vigour vines that are perfect for producing concentrated, full-flavoured grapes. Azamor 2007 Soft and juicy red fruit aromas introduce this exciting blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouchet, Merlot and Touriga Franca. Testament to Portugal’s diverse styles, this wine has a full, opulent mouthfeel packed with dense black fruit characters and a wonderful smooth texture. Partially aged for seven months in a combination of French and American oak barrels this wine boasts a subtle depth and structure. Usual Price £13.95 Promo Price £10.95 36 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • ALENTEJO J. PORTUGAL RAMOS VINHOS It could be said that the Alentejo region wouldn’t be what it is today without João Ramos Portugal, a winemaker, consultant and businessman who has worked with the Portuguese wine industry to bring many small estates into the international arena. After a successful 30-year career, João decided to concentrate on making his own wines in the heart of the Alto Alentejo – a captivating area known for its culture, hunting and rich gastronomic tradition. João incorporates both modern techniques and Portuguese wine-growing traditions in his business, including foot-trodden grapes for his top wines. Vila Santa Reserva red 2008 A classic Portuguese red blend, the grapes are partially foot trodden in marble lagares (traditional grape-pressing baths), with the remainder fermented in wooden vats. The result is a traditionalstyle red with savoury notes and firm tannins. The aromas suggest ripe black fruit, liquorice and nettles, which blend beautifully with a full-bodied, yet wellrounded palate. Usual Price £19.95 Promo Price £16.95 ALENTEJO • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 37 PAULO LAUREANO Paulo Laureano has been producing his own wines from the family business since 1999 and is well respected throughout Alentejo. After several years working as a consultant and enologist for many wine companies across Portugal, he purchased 70 hectares of old vines and a historic winery in the sub-region of Vidigueira. Since then, he has dedicated his time and skills to producing wines made exclusively from Portuguese varieties, ensuring that each one has a unique personality and distinguished identity. Tinto premium 2008 A blend of Aragonês, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet, matured in a combination of American and French oak barrels, this wine has a wonderful aroma of cranberry and other jammy red fruits, overlaid with hints of spice and oak.The palate is soft and even, with savoury and broody red-fruit characters, completed by a persistent finish. Usual Price £19.95 Promo Price £16.95 38 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • ALENTEJO Beer of the Month CRABBIE’S ALCOHOLIC GINGER BEER (500ml) Crabbie’s is the refreshing Ginger Beer for grown ups, made from an original recipe of exotic spices, fruit and that special ingredient ginger, which is shipped especially for the blend from the Far East. Drawing on knowledge gained from over 200 years of ginger wine production, Crabbie’s launched their alcoholic Ginger Beer last year with incredible success. Ginger beer is rumoured to be a cure for sea sickness, stomach ache and even an aphrodisiac – the only thing we know for sure is that Crabbie’s Ginger Beer is a delicious summer thirst quencher. Enjoy well chilled with a slice of lemon and ice or mix it up a little with vodka, ice and lime, for a classic Moscow Mule. Price per bottle £3 Six Bottle Case Price £15 BEER OF THE MONTH • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 39 Champagne of the Month Laurent-Perrier Established in 1812, Laurent-Perrier is a distinguished, family-owned Champagne house based in Tours Sur Marne. The house has a pedigree for innovation, handcrafting a range of fine Champagnes that are produced to traditional, time-honoured techniques. Laurent-Perrier was acquired by the Nonancourt family in the late 1930s and for over 50 years Bernard de Nonancourt has dedicated his life to creating and perfecting the Champagnes of the house. Their iconic rosé Champagne is adored around the world and is simply perfect for those glorious, endless summer’s days. 40 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • CHAMPAGNE OF THE MONTH Ultra Brut Rosé Brut NV This is a rare Champagne with zero dosage, which can only be made in years when the grapes are of optimum ripeness. Only relatively small volumes of this intensely perfumed wine are produced. With a good balance of acidity and natural sugar, it exudes citrus, white fruit and honeysuckle aromas, which are completed by light floral flavours and a delicately fresh finish. Adored for its fresh red fruit flavours, this iconic rosé was instrumental in making pink Champagne stylish, sophisticated and well respected. Soft salmon in colour, it displays delicate notes of juicy red cherries, strawberries and raspberries. With a delightful freshness and a supple, rounded finish, this is the benchmark rosé. Superb as an aperitif it is equally tantalising as an accompaniment to charcuterie and red fruit desserts. Usual Price £54.95 Promo Price £46.95 Usual Price £59.95 Promo Price £52.95 CHAMPAGNE OF THE MONTH • WINES OF PORTUGAL • 41 Brut MillÉsimÉ 2002 The 2002 is widely proclaimed as the finest vintage of the new millennia and Laurent-Perrier’s expression resonates the exceptional conditions of the year. Crafted from an equal amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the initial aroma is marked by an attractive fruity character of stone fruit and honey. It has a fine mousse and lively character, with a strong sense of complexity and depth of flavour.The long finish is marked by persistent notes of yellow stone fruits and it’s youthful freshness holds great promise for ageing and enjoying in years to come. Usual Price £49.95 Promo Price £42.95 42 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • champagne OF THE MONTH Grand SiÈcle Grande Cuvée To produce Laurent-Perrier’s luxury cuvée, family member and chairman Bernard de Nonancourt decided to concentrate on the two mainstays of Champagne knowhow: the blending of different Crus and the blending of different harvest years. The epitome of Champagne assemblage (the ‘marriage’ of several wines from different vintage years), this handcrafted prestige cuvée has unique depth, finesse, complexity and consistency with a remarkable length of honeyed, nutty flavours. Usual Price £135 Promo Price £115 Cuvée Alexandra ROSÉ 1998 A blend of 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the 1998 Cuvée Alexandra has a beautiful pale pink salmon hue. The aromas are reminiscent of strawberry jam and rose petals, whilst wild strawberries and hints of dried apricot come to the fore on the palate. Wonderfully fullbodied with a lively, crisp mouthfeel, this superb wine is best sipped and savoured or paired with game and rich fruit sauces. Price £320 Spirit of the Month Gabriel-Boudier Gabriel-Boudier is the only major independent Cassis de Dijon company in existence. Established in 1874, the company was founded on an ethos of family and tradition. To understand the quality of the Gabriel Boudier liqueurs, it is important to know that all the aromas and flavours are derived entirely from the maceration of fresh fruit. This process is similar to brewing a pot of tea, in that the liqueurs are ‘brewed’ by soaking crushed fruit in a spirit solution, much like tea leaves in hot water. The latest launch from this heritage company is the Bartender Range, a complete collection of cocktail liqueurs for all the classics and more, including Crème de Pêches, Apricot Brandy, Crème de Cacao White and Curaçao Triple Sec – all available in The Wine Shop at Harrods. Pomegranate Liqueur, Bartender Range 50cl Parfait Amour, Bartender Range 50cl Created from a maceration of ripe fruit in pure alcohol, this delicious liqueur captures the bursting freshness and flavour of the finest pomegranates. Perfect for summer drinks this liqueur is particularly delicious when mixed simply with Champagne or sparkling wine. In the 19th century the voilet-coloured liqueur known as Parfait Amour was very fashionable. Gabriel Boudier has created its own secret recipe in honour of this age-old spirit, made from a citrus base, infused with a blend of fresh fruit and floral extracts, which adds a wonderful hue to quirky cocktail recipes. Usual Price £14.95 Promo Price £11.95 Usual Price £16.95 Promo Price £13.95 44 • WINES OF PORTUGAL • SPIRIT OF THE MONTH cocktail hour These delicious fruit liqueurs can be savoured after a meal or used to create a delicious cocktail. This summer, why not relax with friends, enjoy the sunshine and sip our refreshing Blackcurrant Gin Cooler: Method: •Pour a 50ml measure of gin into a wine glass filled with ice cubes. •Cover with lemonade to approximately two-thirds of the glass • Add a 25ml measure of Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis and a good squeeze of lime •Mix and enjoy Crème de Cassis de Dijon 50cl This blackcurrant infusion is obtained by macerating blackcurrants in alcohol (30% vol) and adding sugar to neutralise the high acidity of the fruit. After this, a creamy syrup forms bringing forth a wonderfully rich colour and full flavour. Usual Price £14.95 Promo Price £11.95 CHAMPAGNE OF THE MONTH SPIRIT OF THE MONTH BEER OF THE MONTH 020 7893 8777 harrods.com