Quinta da Lixa & The Monverde Wine Experience Hotel - Portugal
INTERPRETING WINE
A photographers expertise lies both in professional experience and the ability to translate words into imagery, just as a creators’ soul embodies the essence of his wine. A synthesis, of spot-on elementary-tasting-note interpretation and culinary prowess, have produced these mouthwatering images.
AROMAS DAS CASTAS DOC 2023
An aromatic fruity blend of two native Portuguese varietals: Alvarinho and Loureiro. Persistent complexity, elegant on the palate with primary aromas of peach, orange blossom and a hint of herbal laurel, maybe a little black pepper. A fresh dry white wine, well balanced and 12,5 % abv.
My food-pairing suggestion, as seen above: runny melted camembert served with cranberries, toasted bread and butter. Alternatively, a mild creamy curry dish with cashew nuts.
Back in 1986 the Meireles family already owned vineyards around the small town of Lixa and are responsible today, for 120 hectares of vineyards spread among a total of 9 properties (including Quinta da Lixa, Quinta da Corredoura, Quinta do Souto, Quinta Nova, Quinta de Sanguinhedo - Monverde Wine Hotel and Quinta dos Lagareiros), all in close proximity to Quinta da Lixa.
Oscar Meireles daughter Diana Meireles joined the company 18 years ago, responsible for Quality Management and Purchasing. Head-Winemaker Carlos Teixeira has worked with the family for 26 harvests now, overseeing the complete vinification process and in addition, supports his colleague Diogo Vieira in the Export Department.
During this time Carlos Teixeira has gained more than his fair share of experience when it comes to the challenges each year presents in producing expressive high-quality wines. His greatest desire is to mirror the uniqueness of the regions` Terroir - in harmony with varietal characteristics, also with the vintage.
With their combination of Wine-Tastings, the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel encourages visitors to explore Carlos` philosophy. From traditional Vinho Verde single varietals through to those vinified in oak. From entry- to Premium-level wines there is something for every palate.
In The Sensory Room you will learn about aromas, grape profiles and blending: excellent preparation in advance of your very own tasting experience.
In 1999 the Meireles family bought Quinta de Sanguinhedo, initially intended as a location for wine-loving family and friend - ly get-togethers. The project, however, soon took on greater dimensions and became one of the most thriving luxury wine destinations in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal – the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel.
My first taste of Quinta da Lixa was a cool glass of their sparkling O TAL DA LIXA received on arrival and accompanied by a very warm welcome. This is easy drinking, fresh and fruity, labelled Extra Dry – so not too dry at all and a reasonably priced sparkling allrounder, beautifully interpreted here by: Ronni Allen Food Photography.
O TAL DA LIXA is a blend of the Avesso and Arinto grape varieties, both native to Portugal. Avesso grapes, depending on the time of harvest, are golden yellow to reddish brown, a bright lemony colour beautifully mirrored in the glass. Fresh acidity and citrus notes harmonise well with Arintos` ripe pear and peach flavours, making this an enjoyable sparkling for all occasions.
I have visited Monverde twice now. Last year as a hotel guest, and this year unfortunately just passing through for lunch, but so glad I did! Two nights were obviously four too short, but that`s what a bucket-list is for.
Wellness and Wine-Lovers alike will be in their element here as Monverde is a gem of a location with plenty for those wishing to dig a little deeper into the ins and outs of Portuguese Wine.
Broaden your Viticultural Horizon with The Monverde “Inside-Out” Grape-Tasting or try your hand at one of the Blending or Harvesting Experiences. Set in an area of 35 hectares, 22 of which are planted predominantly with Avesso, Touriga Nacional, Vinhão, Arinto, and Loureiro grape varieties, here you have the space in which to really switch off.
Whatever your motivation, you can expect 5-Star cuisine and excellent service.
The Hotel itself is a combination of Past meets Present. Ancient stone walled buildings have been retained and renovated integrating local wood, slate and quartz and pay homage to tradition. Luxurious facilities, a pool inside and out with a Spa and Wellness area for relaxation, offer peaceful tranquillity, serene charm and stylish elegance. Awaiting you too, are the highly accommodating and well-trained staff.
Talking of wood, it is no longer uncommon to find white grapes vinified in oak.
ALVARINHO RESERVA DOC 2019 is a good example of this.
An expressive single varietal grown on granite and slate soils, fermented on its skins which contributes to the grippy tannins. The wine is then left to rest for a further 6 months on the lees, with regular Bâtonnage.
Maturation in both small oak casks and stainless-steel vats lend to the wine’s aromatic complexity, texture and the strong and lingering finish. A convincing character capable of pairing well with slow-cooked beef dishes, strong cheese and oily fish, such as mackerel. At 13 % abv and with the good balance between acidity and residual sugar, this wine is fresh but has aging potential.
2023 was also an exceptional vintage in Portugal, particularly for Alvarinho.
POUCO COMUM DOC 2023.
As the name suggests (unusual or uncommon), POUCO COMUM has an exceptional nose with medium to intense primary floral aromas and tangy citrus (peel). Spoilt on the palate with tropical fruits, the pineapple and passion fruit together with the citrus, balance perfectly with the acidity.
Fruity and fresh, enjoy POUCO COMUM with light fish dishes (poached perhaps, with a creamy sauce) chicken salad and croutons or warm goats` cheese on grilled vegetables.
For more information about the Hotel and their Wine-Portfolio please contact Export and Marketing Manager Diogo Vieira – please see below. And should you have an interest in Centre-Staging your products, visual imagery of your own Tasting-Notes, then please contact either Ronni Allen or myself.
We will happily assist!
Quinta de Sanguinhedo
Castanheiro Redondo
4600-761 Telões · Amarante
Tel.: +351 255 143 100
E-Mail: geral@monverde.pt or diogovieira@quintadalixa.pt
Fotocredits: Ronni Allen Food Photography - Gail Treuer - Monverde - Wine Experience Hotel