Land of dreams Portugal
Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 8:04AM 
The Duke of Portugal and Count Calheiros
It has been 4 days now that I pinch myself as I wake up and rub my eyes. I am in Northern Portugal>
First the 1st anniversary menu experience of Rui Paula's inspired menu at DOP in Porto where I interviewed him and did a wine tasting of Quinta Nova Duoro wines. Menus and videos to follow.
At the Gorgeous Calheiros Manor house, I woke first to the splendor that is Lima Valley. Played with the new baby foal, discovered Ponte de Lima, and the delightful Calheiros Family my gracious hosts for a Wine Weekend In this undiscovered gem of NW portugal up near The Santiago Compostella Camino.
Today I'm in Duoro Valley, at the Wine house and family vineyard of Pacheca brand the wine family Serpa Pimental and winemaker Maria have given me much pleasure with their wines. The latest crisp 2010 white released just two days ago, is a lovely passion fruit, tropical fresh dream perfect for patio dining.
Anyway you'll have to watch the tastings.
Then comes that golden moment that often happens with wine.
After filming wine reviews, I get offered by Caterina, A mystery port wine...
It is a Vino Velho do Douro Frasquira Particular From 1880, yes 1880!
It's a little medicinal and heady with definite balsamic eucalyptus notes but I'm enchanted by its long legs.
This is why I love wine journeys......
The menu of grilled octopus fillet and Val Abrao wine followed by 2000 and 2006 vintage port wine from Pacheca was inspired, our chef served it with the best chocolate cake in the world and home made pistaccio icecream........last night almost reduced me to tears of happiness.
I was up in the vineyards at 7am with the sun just cresting the hill and seeing the first leaf buds made me so thankful to be here. Words fail me for once in expressing how inspirational this part of Portugal is for me. So perhaps as a picture speaks a thousand words I should get busy uploading videos and interviews.
Im in Lisbon for some interviews from Monday...
Reader Comments (1)
Portugal is a beautiful country. A place where tradition stands still.
manila real estate