Life has a strange way of making us put things into perspective. Who would imagine I would be writing this post over the Atlantic Ocean, on another flight to San Francisco? I certainly wouldn´t, if you had asked me one year ago. And yet, here I am, writing this text after a long silence. One [...]
In Japan, the art of sword making is revered as a sacred art. So much so that the best swords ever made are considered national treasures and cannot leave national territory. One could argue that Port wine should be treated equally. However, depriving the rest of the world from its liquid splendor would be [...]
“You look typical Alencar! Fit for the drawing and for the statue!” Translated from “Os Maias”, by Eça de Queirós It was a cold and rainy morning, one of those that lend itself to introspection and to putting life into perspective. His smile, though, was warm and welcoming. And could it be any different? For [...]
Portugal has always been a country of fisherman and sailors. Being the westernmost country in Europe, and with an extensive coast, the sea has always been our companion. We have crossed oceans and time to unveil its secrets. We have had our skins darkened and hardened by the sun and salt. We have fought and [...]
We all have our safe havens. In Porto, I have two safe havens for wine. One of them is Vinoteca, in the Ribeira, a fantastic wine cellar/tapas bar, which I will undoubtedly address in more detail in following posts. The other is Garrafeira Tio Pepe, which over the years has become not only my regular [...]
This was our 4th consecutive year of exploring the various cultivars of Madeira. Having previously surveyed Terrantez, Verdelho and Boal grapes, the natural progression from dry to sweet, led us to the marvelous Malvasia grape. The perfect ambience, spacious banquet room, excellent food and service staff at NYC’s Del Posto restaurant, has continued to deliver [...]
“I am the master of my fate I am the captain of my soul” Invictus, by William Ernest Henley Invicta – the Unconquered. This is how Porto is known among the Portuguese. Carved in grayish granite, there it stands like a steep sloped stronghold guarding the precious river Douro. To understand the city and its [...]
Water everywhere. Around, over and within, it flows in an endless circle of rebirth. It is the very nature of the island of Madeira. It flows from the high mountains down to the sea, along streams and cascades, along the roads and valleys. But it also runs down in the “levadas”, water pathways built by [...]
Memory has its own mysteries. Some things are clearly remembered, even if not particularly relevant. Others are shrouded in fog, so dense we cannot reach them, no matter how hard we try. I do not know when my love for Port blossomed, and perhaps never will, unless the passing of years fills that gap with [...]
This my twentieth year since first visiting the Douro, has provided me pause for thought. While looking back on two decades of visits to Northern Portugal, I’ve taken time to consider all of the people that I have met in the Port and Douro wine trade. It has also allowed me to sit back and [...]
