Richard Mayson, author of many books on Portuguese wines, returned to the Algarve last week to address members of the Algarve Wine Society at the Vila Sol Renaissance Hotel in Vilamoura.
He spoke about the recent Decanter World Wine Awards competition, for which he was Portugal’s regional chair and which this year included the largest and most diverse range of Portuguese wines.
During the evening, members were introduced to eight different wines, three of them from Herdade do Paço de Camões, which was recently purchased by the Rodrigues family.
Presented by their winemaker Luis Bourbon were Zefyro Branco 2008, Zefyro Rosé 2007 and Canto Decimo 2006.
A tasting of Richard Mayson’s own wine from Quinta do Centro, Pedra Basta 2007, and cask samples of his Pedra Basta 2008 followed.
Finally, Richard Mayson presented and described samples of Montes Claros Reserva 2006, Quinta do Tedo 2007 and Quanta Terra 2007 Grande Reserva.
All three had been awarded medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards competition.
After the tasting, members enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s L’Olive Restaurant, followed by a book signing by the author.
The Algarve Wine Society’s 2009 programme will conclude with its traditional Christmas lunch at A Colina near Ludo on Wednesday, December 16.
Membership of the Algarve Wine Society is at its upper limit and there is a waiting list for entry but if you would like further information about the organisation please contact the Secretary, Larry Hampton, by email at [email protected]
