The Sommelier's Choices
See the Wines and Wine Regions of the month here
Rui Madeira
Our selection is guided by the experience and excellence of a sommelier with a distinguished career in the world of wine. With a qualification in Sommellerie from Turismo de Portugal and WSET, he brings to the project a wealth of knowledge acquired over years in the catering and hotel sector.
His career includes stints at some of the most prestigious gastronomic venues, such as Quinta das Lágrimas and Mesa de Lemos, and he was recognised for his talent with the nomination for Sommelier of the Year in 2016 by WINE - Essência do Vinho.
In the same year, he took on the role of Head Sommelier and F&B Manager at the restaurant of the exclusive Areias do Seixo Hotel in Santa Cruz (Torres Vedras, Lisbon), consolidating his reputation in the sector.
Palácio dos Távoras Alicante Bouschet Red 2015
Tasting Notes
➔ This wine has a medium intensity on the nose, ripe plum, blueberry, white pepper and vanilla.
➔ On the palate, it is dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol content, medium body, medium intensity, ripe plums, spices, vanilla, light chocolate and a long finish.
★ To highlight this 2015 vintage, also for its complexity and evolution.
Quinta de Valbom Red 2015
Tasting Notes
➔ Concentrated violet colour.
➔ On the nose, it has an aroma of ripe red fruits, integrated with floral and woody notes.
➔ The palate reveals a complex structure with red fruit flavours, a correct balance of acidity and a long, elegant finish.
★ Harvested in 2013, it provides aromatic complexity.
Tapada de Coelheiros Red 2016
Tasting Notes
➔ Intense garnet colour.
➔ On the nose, notes of red fruit, green chilli, jam and spices.
★ Despite its age, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet is very youthful.
Quinta do Paúl Grande Reserva 2015
Tasting Notes
➔ Red-violet in colour.
➔ On the nose, fruity and spicy aromas from ageing in French and American oak barrels.
★ On the palate, it is full-bodied, with soft tannins and an elegant, long and persistent finish.
Beira Interior Wine Region
Beira Interior, Portugal's highest wine-growing region.
In recent years Beira Interior has doubled the number of producers, increasing demand and also recognition for its wines.
Characterised by white wines with great aromatic exuberance and freshness and red wines with complex aromas of wild berries and spices, combined with a marked freshness.
This region produces quality white, red, rosé and fortified wines, as well as natural sparkling wines, thanks to the wide variety of grape varieties that have allowed for the constant discovery of new aromas and flavours.
Traditional grape varieties find the chance to assert themselves fully here. It is in the valleys and mountains that the traditional white grapes Síria, Arinto and Fonte Cal share space and time with the red grapes, Rufete, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Trincadeira.
Beira Interior wants to assert itself more and more as a region of excellence and quality in wine production and occupy its rightful place alongside the great Portuguese wine regions.
