Around 80 members and guests of the Algarve Wine Society welcomed Sophia Bergqvist of Douro winery Quinta de la Rosa to the Quinta dos Poetas venue near Estoi on Wednesday, October 21.
A family run business, Quinta de la Rosa has been in the Bergqvist family for over 100 years. It was given as a christening present for Claire Feueheerd, Sophia’s grandmother, in 1906.
The family has made port for a very long time, but, starting in the early 1990s, the Bergqvists were one of the pioneers in taking the production of red wine in the Douro seriously. Since then, their products have consistently won awards and accolades around the world. The Quinta remains small, producing about 50,000 litres of port and 200,000 litres of wine from 55 hectares located on the southeast facing banks of the Douro River, about 1km from Pinhão in the Cima Corgo region.
With Sophia’s guidance, participants at the tasting discovered the 2007 Quinta de la Rosa and Quinta de la Rosa reserve tinto, with blends of touriga nacional, tinta roriz and touriga franca aged in oak, the 2008 Quinta de la Rosa branco, made primarily from viosinho grapes, the unique douRosa rosé 2008, made from the free run juice of vintage port and the top of the line Passagem 2006 tinto. In addition, two ports – a Quinta de la Rosa white port and a 12 year old tawny – were tasted.
A dinner prepared by head chef João Martins followed the tasting.
The Algarve Wine Society’s 2009 programme will conclude with two events – an evening with noted raconteur and wine expert Richard Mayson on Saturday, November 28 at Vila Sol in Vilamoura, and a Christmas lunch at A Colina near Ludo on Wednesday, December 16.
If you would like further information about the organisation please contact the Secretary, Larry Hampton, by email [email protected]
