Cheers to what lies ahead!
Taste Portugal Press Party – The Wines
The wine was flowing and carefully matched to bring out the very best of flavours across the board
‘Glasses were already being clinked, even before the official starting hour, at Luís Baena’s Georgian townhouse conversion. ’
DESPITE THE SAD absence of Taste Portugal 2014/15’s Executive Sommelier, Arnaud Vallet, who was struck down ill in the Algarve, the wine was flowing at this week’s sensational press launch at the Notting Hill Kitchen.
Glasses were already being clinked, even before the official starting hour, as excited journalists piled in to Luís Baena’s Georgian townhouse conversion.
Cheese and meat petiscos were accompanied by a choice of Principal Rosé (2010) and Quinta da Pedra Alvarinho (2010), both recalling the flavours of an aperitif enjoyed in the Portuguese afternoon sun.
As the night progressed, Malhadinha Nova took over, bringing out Herdade da Malhadinha White (2011 and 2013), which was paired with fish dishes, to show the excellent evolution of the Portuguese bottled white. Redoma (2012) helped to prove this point and was enjoyed by everyone who tasted it.
Malhadinha Tinto (2011) was a must for the black pork and Bioma Tinto (Niepoort) (2010) showcased the elegance of the Douro (organically produced, at that), particularly in combination with the veal and cheese.
Malhadinha Late Harvest 2010 – an expression of Petit Manseng in Alentejo – deliciously matched the sweet pastries, and Niepoort came up trumps later on still, closing the night in traditional Portuguese style, with their LBV Port Wine.
