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Portugal Visit & Lunch

Bailliage of Algarve, Portugal
Estombar, May 21, 2021

Our first meeting in 2021
" All the current rules for social distancing in Portugal were scrupulously observed "

Members and their guests gathered at Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate in Estombar at 10am on Friday, May 21 for their first meeting after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Erhard Braun welcomed the group and started the proceedings with a description of the equipment needed to produce the wine. A detailed tour of the winery cellars followed. All the current rules for social distancing in Portugal were scrupulously observed.

Leaving the cool of the cellars everyone gathered in the pleasant shade of the veranda. The open-air aspect was perfect to be seated at tables of six to enjoy a wine blending workshop. Erhard led everyone through the principles and objectives of the blending process and guided us expertly to make our own particular blends.

Much debate and discussion followed. Once everyone had achieved the taste they wanted, the proportions of personal blends were translated into full 75cl bottles. Each bottle had its specific alcohol percentage and blend noted on the bespoke labels. Once the bottles had been safely sealed a convivial lunch followed. Round tables seating six had been set out on the same veranda.

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Hors d’oeuvres
King prawn and tuna tataki
Salmon carpaccio
Chicken liver paté
Dry-cured ham
Smoked duck breast

Main course
Lamb shank with thyme sauce
potato gratin, fresh vegetables

Assortment of desserts
Crème brûlée
Chocolate mousse
Fresh strawberries
Almond tart
Raspberry sorbet

WINES
from the Quinta dos Vales estate

Duo Branco 2019
Duo Rosé 2019
Grace Vineyard 2014
Licoroso de Touriga Nacional 2010

The selection of desserts bringing the meal to a close had been prepared by Art de Bruin of Bon Bon Catering. Each course was accompanied by wines from the Quinta dos Vales estate which were thoroughly enjoyed by us all.

Dr Jean Ferran, Bailli Provincial of South of the Tagus who acts as Bailli of Algarve, thanked Karl Heinz Stock - the Quinta dos Vales estate owner, Cláudio Faria and Erhard Braun - the organisers of the event and workshop, and Art de Bruin of Bon Bon Catering. He presented the estate with a Bailliage Certificate of Thanks.

Everyone went on their way with the delightful memento of a bottle of their own blend preference wine to enjoy at a later time.

Valerie Lantau
Vice-Chargée de Presse

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