Last week, a spectacular wine dinner was held at Fado restaurant with guest speaker Manuel Moreira, taster of International Taste and Quality Institute who won the “Trophée Ruinart and the “Sommeliers National Competition” twice. “ Considered “Sommelier of the Year 2005” by the Gastronomy International Academy, he is also a member of the WINE – A Essência do Vinho magazine’s tasting panel.
Inspired by authentic Alentejo cuisine and the peculiar use of bread, the chef features sophisticatedly presented homemade style Portuguese dishes such as Açorda, crab bread stew with octopus carpaccio and bell peppers, paired with Redoma Branco 2014 from the Douro region. Since winemaker Dirk Niepoort is a fan of white wines from the German region of Mosel, the Redoma Branco 2014 is a refined and elegant white wine. On the nose, the citric and floral notes are evident.
Yet, the highlight of the evening is the Quinta Do Vallado 2013 from Douro, paired with a slow cooked veal cheek. Made with a single grape variety, Touriga Nacional, the wine is solid, yet elegant with silky tannins. On the nose, the aroma is reminiscent of “esteva,” a Portuguese herb. Personally, I think I will be buying bottles of these to enjoy with my friends.
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