Portugal Resident

Tantalisin­g treats at Tribulum

- By GAYNOR STAPLETON

Last week saw an exceptiona­l turnout of over 80 members of the Algarve Wine Society for a wonderful wine tasting experience at Tribulum Restaurant near Almancil.

A variety of tasty dishes were produced by the talented Irish Chef Jonny Pratt. A sea bass ceviche, home smoked tuna with a veal emulsion and a pork cheek Wellington were accompanie­d by fine wines from the upper reaches of the Douro River.

Produced by Quinta da Sequeira and presented by the winery’s Mário Tiago Cardoso and Rui Castro of Wines & Co in Almancil, they were extremely interestin­g and there was a serious array for tasting.

Starting with a light, crisp rosé, a delicious, tangy, fresh white and a more serious white Reserva, these were followed by three reds that were on the menu. The Quinta da Sequeira Red, the Quinta da Sequeira Reserva and the much-acclaimed Grande Reserva. Then a surprise offering in the shape of a tannin-rich, wonderfull­y-coloured red yet to be marketed. The latter was extremely well received.

All the wines were of excellent quality and a great representa­tion of their traditiona­l grape heritage.

Dessert was a tonka bean crème brûlée followed by a cheese plate. With these came the grand finale – rare 70- and 80-year-old ports, the ultimate treat and hugely appreciate­d by members.

The restaurant and the winery both excelled to provide a wonderful afternoon for members. A perfect way to kick start the Algarve Wine Society’s programme for 2022 after all the disappoint­ments of 2020 and 2021.

Next on the Society’s calendar is an overnight visit to the Memmo Baleeira Hotel in Sagres for a presentati­on of wines by Decante on May 17, and there will be a Midsummer’s Night Gourmet Dinner with wines from Julian Reynolds Winery at Restaurant Florian back in Almancil.

 ?? ?? Members enjoying the lunch
Members enjoying the lunch
 ?? ?? Seventy-year-old port – Jo Doyle (AWS), chef Jonny Pratt, Iain Doyle (AWS) and head barman, David Moura
Seventy-year-old port – Jo Doyle (AWS), chef Jonny Pratt, Iain Doyle (AWS) and head barman, David Moura
 ?? ?? Pre-lunch drinks on the terrace
Pre-lunch drinks on the terrace
 ?? ?? Mário Tiago Cardoso from Quinta da Sequeira
Mário Tiago Cardoso from Quinta da Sequeira

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Portugal