Seventy-three members of the Algarve Wine Society and guests held their annual Christmas lunch at the Tivoli Marina Beach Resort in Vilamoura on December 7.
The event took place in the Menta Restaurant, which was seasonably decorated in red, gold and green.
The wines were provided and presented by Francisco Fino and his daughter Rita Magalhães of the Monte da Penha winery in Portalegre, in the northern Alentejo.
The winery is very much a family concern and Rita represents the fourth generation of involvement. They use only Portuguese grape varieties.
-[63026].res.jpg "The organiser, John Edge, and his wife Carol ready to greet the numerous guests.") The organiser, John Edge, and his wife Carol ready to greet the numerous guests. |
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Francisco introduced each wine as it was served. A fresh Montefino Reserva white 2009 to accompany a three-sea carpaccio starter, a Montefino Tinto 2008 served with a lentil cream soup and the main course, a roasted leg of lamb, was served with two reds, a Montefino Reserva red 2005 and the star of the show, a Monte da Penha Reserva red 2005, both having won several medals.
This was the last Society event for 2011. The first event of 2012 will be a tasting of Esporão wines, followed by dinner, scheduled for January 21.
The Algarve Wine Society’s membership is at its upper limit, and there is a waiting list, but if you would like information about the Society, please contact Larry Hampton, the Secretary, by email hampton@mail.telepac.pt.
