Food & Drink in the Algarve, Portugal

what to drink during your stay in the Algarve

The Wines of Portugal - The Algarve Region

Bom Dia

We'll start very close to `home' this month!

ALGARVE

In reality the Algarve region is the only demarcated district in Portugal that does not produce a wide variety of white wines along with its dominant red wine.  The red wines in the DOC regions here tend to be full-bodied, have a fruity rich flavour and low acidity and contain a high alcohol level - naturally occurring because of the hot climate.

While it is obviously the beaches that draw the holiday maker, growers here are beginning to appreciate the region's wine making potential.  Consequently vineyards are being planted, cellars modernised and production methods updated.  There has recently been a renewal of interest and several smaller private vineyards have been created which are now commercialising their production and marketing their own labels.  Probably the most famous such producer is the Vida Nova label from a vineyard owned by none other than the famous singer, Sir Cliff Richard.

Here, in the early 1990's a former vineyard (visit Sir Cliff's Adega do Cantor) was rejuvenated - `Vida Nova' means new life and that is exactly what has happened in the vineyard.  It's certainly a serious wine by the previous standards of the region, being made from newly-planted vines by top Australian winemaker David Baverstock.  The latest 2005 vintage has the richness and concentration that comes from maturing vines matched to the right climate.  2005 was another excellent summer - hot of course, but with nicely regulated temperatures and cooling breezes.  A blend of 4 varieties, including Syrah alongside the indigenous Portuguese, individually vinified by David, this wine has an inviting, black fruit aroma and a rugged, rustic palate.  It is quite young of course and will age well for the next 2-3 years at least.  You can source the wine in the U.K from Waitrose Direct, who also have the estate's vibrant and lively rosé from last year's harvest.

The demarcated DOC wine areas of the Algarve are:

Lagoa (DOC)

Since 1980 Lagoa, along with the others below, has been officially designated a DOC district of the Algarve.  Typically it is mainly red wines with high alcohol levels that are produced in this area.

This region covers the municipalities of both Albufeira and Lagoa.  The soft sandy soil and warm climate provides a rich distinct flavour.  The red wines are deep ruby-coloured which develop with age and are easy to drink.  Lagoa's agricultural importance as a hub not just for vineyards and wine, but also for beans and vegetables has declined somewhat in recent years but the Cooperativa de Lagoa offers still a choice of full bodied and light red wines.  It also produces its own sugar cane spirit or aguardente.

Adega Co-operativa de Lagoa, N125 Portimao Road, Lagoa. Tel: 282 342. Open in summer only, you'll need to book in advance. Open daily 9.30am to 12.30, 2pm to 5.30pm. Entrance is free.

Lagos (DOC)

This region covers the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagos and Sagres. The red wine here can be smooth and fruity with low acidity level. The white wine is lemon-straw in colour and tends to be full-bodied.

Portimao (DOC)

The red wine is light, smooth with low acidity and high alcohol content. The white wine is straw-coloured with a soft and rich aromatic flavour.

An example to watch out for whilst you are in the Algarve itself is Tapada da Torre.

Tavira (DOC)

This region covers the municipalities of Castro Marim, Faro, Olhao, Sao Bras de Alportel, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.  The red wine is soft, pale-coloured and with a fruity aroma. The white wine is straw-coloured, smooth and full-bodied.

Let's turn now to the subject of Food & Wine matching, a natural concept in Portugal like so many wine countries of the world.  When drinking in the Algarve, for example, you will always be best served by some of the great Portuguese wines to accompany your Portuguese dishes.   So, for example, on a recent visit to Vilamoura, dining in the Marina on dishes such as Sardinhas, Bife Portuguesa, Tornedo Grelha & Linguado Algarvia, we drank the excellent and value for money Monte Velho Tinto.

Back in the U.K. we recently presented a Food & Wine Matching Summer School at the beautifully located Dillington House in Somerset.  The enthusiastic delegates were able to sample various food styles over the three days and sample a large number of diverse wine styles.  Dishes included `tapas' or petiscos such as anchovies, prune & bacon rolls & eggs stuffed with almonds plus the programme included a tasting dinner and a spice matching session.  Many delegates idea of heaven was the chocolate & wine seminar and there was also an opportunity to see how important the `right glass is to the right wine'!

Amongst the many Portuguese wines that were included in the sessions were:

Sao Domingo Espumante Meio-Seco - from Portugalia Wines (circa £6.99); Blandy's Duke of Clarence Rich Malmsey Madeira - Tesco £9.34; Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2004, Vinho Verde Monçao - Atlantico (circa £8.99); Bela Fonte Jaen 2000 Beiras - D&F Wine Shippers (circa £5.99)

If you are interested in attending a future, similar course watch the events page of our website or send us your email address and we'll give you advance and exclusive notice. Also we can put together such a course programme for your company, group or association.

Until next month

Martin
Wine Educators International

www.wine-educators.com

If you would like to know more about Portuguese Food and Drink, why don't you dip into our Restaurants in the Algarve section and our series of articles on Portuguese Wines and Ports.  We also feature some Traditional Portuguese Recipes and a glossary of useful Portuguese food & drink words and phrases

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