ViniPortugal, an association of Portuguese wine producers is organising the biggest ever tasting of Portuguese wines in India from November 10 to 14, with 18 producers showcasing 130 labels in Delhi, Goa and Mumbai, reports Subhash Arora
With the completer range of wines, the producers are keen to showcase the indigenous grape varietals and the main wine producing regions of Portugal, including Alentejo, Beiras, Bairrada, Dão, Douro, Estremadura, Ribatejo, and Vinho Verde.
Well known for their Port, Madeira and wines from Douro and Vinho Verde, Portuguese wine makers have seen a continuing rise in the popularity of their wines, world-wide, beginning in the 1970's. In Macau, they have 45% of the market share currently
There are more than 300 indigenous grape varieties found in Portugal with a fascinating diversity. More than 90% of the wines produced by Portuguese wine makers rely exclusively on these indigenous grapes.
The event is designed to increase knowledge of the emerging Portuguese wines, with emphasis on specific brands, regions, and indigenous varieties.
 'I was in India in January 2007 with the Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva and from the talks with different local and prominent professionals we realised that there was an opportunity of show- casing to Indian importers, wine retailers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, F&B Managers and wine lovers, the best that Portugal has to offer in terms of its wine regions, grape varietals and terroirs,' says Paulo Amorim, who is heading the delegation of 18 producers.
'Portugal is one of the oldest and most important wine producers in the world and there has been a revolution in winemaking in the last 10 years, the reason that explains all the recent and well deserved awards in prestigious competitions, as well as exciting reviews in wine magazines all over the world,' Paulo informs delWine .
 The programme kicks of at the residence of the Portuguese Ambassador Mr. Luis Filipe Castro Mendes on November 10 with a tasting of 130 wines from 17 producers. 'We had organised a wine tasting dinner from Esporão winery in Alentejo, earlier this year. The response from the professionals was very exciting. So when Vini Portugal approached us for this programme, we decided to support them whole-heartedly,' says the affable Ambassador Luis Mendes who had then won many hearts with his warm hospitality.
The wine professionals and other invitees will get to sample the remarkable range- from Vinhos Verdes' refreshing whites to the Douro's passionate Reds and Alentejo's new classics and beyond. This will be followed by dinner.
The entourage moves to Panaji, Goa where they will present wines on 11th November at the residence of the Consul General of Portugal, Mr. Paulo Pocinho in Altinho, Panaji from 6:30 pm onwards. Mumbai will get to sample these wines on the 13th afternoon, from 3-6 pm at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Santa Cruz.
Following are some of the main producers from Portugal who will be present, to give a first-hand information about their wine and wine-making:
* Alianca Vinhos de Portugal
* Aveleda
* Casa de Santa Vitoria
* Casa Santos Lima
* Cortes de Cima
* Caves Messias
* D&F Vinhos de Portugal
* Dao Sul
* DFJ Vinhos
* Encostas de Estremoz
* Henrique Jose de La Puente Sancho Uva
* Jose Maria da Fonseca
* Kilburn & Gomes
* Manuel dos Santos Campolargo
* Vidigal Wines
* Wines&Winemakers
Click for Programme and contact details for Delhi , Goa and Mumbai for the wine professionals to contact and enjoy the completer spectrum of Portuguese wines for the first time in India of this magnitude.
The registration for wine professionals interested in the Taste of Portugal at Delhi (Nov. 10), Goa (Nov. 11) and Mumbai (Nov. 13) may also be done online.
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