Generous chunks of polvo – squid that is – marinated in vinegar together with raw vegetables and parsley. Not pickled, more the gentle acidity of a nice vinegar. For aesthetic reasons, serve it in a hollowed out cabbage head….
Yes, it’s a Tinta Negra. And yes, it’s absolutely brilliant! The 1996 Single Cask 409 C is one of those wines that everyone with prejudiced Tinta Negra thoughts should taste. Well, the rest of us should have it as…
“They’re too expensive.” “Madeira lacks optimal conditions for table wine production.” “Nobody wants to buy them.” “We need the Verdelho for the fortified wines.” Those are some of the comments I’ve heard when discussing the island’s table wines with…
2012 is considered a very fine vintage for most grape varieties in Madeira. In general 2013 was a more difficult year and yet I’ve heard more than one producer indicate that last year resulted in superior grapes. A more…
Vinic alcohol. That is, neutral spirit with no characteristics besides the 95.6 percent alcohol by volume content. Used in Madeira to arrest the fermentation. The alcohol is purified by repeated distillation and vinic alcohol simply means that it derives…
A new Madeira wine release and I’m like a child on Christmas eve! Especially if it’s a Verdelho…. In August 2013 Ricardo Diogo, at Vinhos Barbeito, bottled the 1992 Verdelho Frasqueira. Aged for only 21 years in cask, you…
It’s such an intense wine and yet it’s all about elegance. The complex bouquet awakens reminiscences which have been hiding in my memory bank for decades. The subtle scent of bitter almonds; a childhood memory when my mother prepared…
Although it’s fantastic that Pereira d’Oliveira will continue running Artur Barros e Sousa Lda after the take over, many of us will miss the Olím brothers, Artur and Edmundo.* Here’s a collection of articles published about the two guys…
Honestly; I’m not sure I liked it as much the first time I had it several years ago. Not because the 1995 Verdelho Colheita from Cossart Gordon is ambiguous in any way – this is a classic Verdelho for…
It all started with Dr Pedro Jose Lomelino setting up the company for Artur de Barros e Sousa in the beginning of the 1920’s. It all ends, 91 years later with Artur and Edmundo Olim, the fourth generation. Artur Barros…
Ok, here goes. More great images from Madeira in October. And a tasting note on a great affordable Boal in the end. Enjoy! Ponta de São Lourenço Funchal sea front Monte cable car Fog, mountains. Magical Madeira. Fish market…
When it seems that the next Madeira trip first will take place in January, it’s good to have one’s own flesh and blood there already, documenting. And it doesn’t hurt at all knowing my brother’s a trained photographer, coming…
Mullet head, don’t touch the back. Cut the sides, don’t touch the back* 1987. Single release of No Sleep till Brooklyn. I loved that song. Still do. I was 15 years old and, I guess, like any kid in…
Finesse and elegance. I could settle with this when summarizing the impressions of the 1995 Verdelho Colheita from Blandy’s. But it wouldn’t be fair to this beauty. Or the winemaker for that matter. By now I believe most of…
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