Discover Portugal with Simon Woods
Join us as we investigate a country that is innovating its' light wine industry to change the stereotype that Portugal is only good for Port. The Atlantic Ocean on the Western fringe of Europe is the dominant factor in this country's wine production providing various conditions for a diverse mix of grapegrowing. In the mountainous north we find the region of Vinho Verde, a cooler area, famed for its' zesty and spritzy white wines. The famed Douro Valley is also important for full-bodied reds as well as the traditional Port-styles whilst to the south the district of Dao is on everyone's lips, producing elegant lightly-oaked reds of distinct quality, from grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (Spain's Tempranillo). In addition Bairrada is an up-and-coming district with exciting varieties such as Baga (red) and Bical (white). In the south we find Ribetajo, Alentejo and the Algarve (so good that Cliff Richard has a winery here called Vida Nova!) all capable of producing interesting and complex wines.
Wines on Tasting (9):
- Casa de Mouraz Organic, Dao, 2008 (White)
- Po de Poeira, Vinho Branco, Douro, 2008 (White)
- Quinta do Coa, Vinho Tinto, Douro, 2007 (Red)
- T.Nac by Falorca, Vinho Tinto, Dao, 2007 (Red)
- Periquita Reserva, Lisboa, 2008 (Red)
- Passadouro Rerserva Vinho Tinto, Douro, 2007 (Red)
- Alvaro Castro, Vinho Tinto, Dao, 2007 (Red)
- Azamor, Petit Verdot, Aletejano, 2005 (Red)
- Moscatel De Setubal, Colheita Bacalhoa, 2004 (Sweet)
Discover Portugal Presenter - Simon Woods - Online Wine Columnist of the Year 2010
Since abandoning a career in computer systems design in 1988 to indulge his two hobbies, wine and writing, Simon has been co-coordinator of the annual International Wine Challenge, a columnist for The Financial Times ‘The Business’ magazine, editor of the award-winning annual Which? Wine Guide and a contributor to numerous magazines. He has recently been awarded the Louis Roederer Award for Online Wine Columnist of the Year 2010.
His books include ‘I don’t know much about wine but I know what I like’ (Mitchell Beazley), which received the Gold Label Award for Wine Book of the Year at the Prix du Champagne Lanson awards. His previous book, ‘Vine to Bottle’, was chosen as the Best Book on Wine in English at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. As well as being a popular and entertaining speaker and host of tastings, he is also an in-demand wine judge, and has been involved in wine competitions on four continents.
SImon's blog, Drinking Outside The Box is a informative but informal approach to the world of wine and well worth a look at. He hosted the Henschke Masterclass for West London Wine School in September 2010.
Simon in the Press: "Simon’s writing style is lively, interesting and balanced. He’s jokey without being forced, and critical without being an iconoclast. Best of all, he talks good sense” – Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak.
A great tasting to discover that there's more to Portugal than Port!
All tastings include; minimum of 6 wines sourced locally so you can find them easily if you like them, full tasting notes, tasting sheet, use of professional tastings glasses and nibbles
Places Available: 9
Course Date/Time: Tue 6th Mar 2012 at 7pm
Duration: 2 hours
Venue: The Wine Cellars, Fulham
