This has become an annual fixture for the AWS as the venue so perfectly fits the occasion. Seventy-two members and guests gathered to enjoy a delicious menu put together by Luis and Andrea Pequeno and the wines paired with the lunch came from Quinta do Pinto, another favourite of the Society. We were delighted that Rita Cardoso Pinto was able to present some of the family’s wines herself, having taken a day off from the gathering of the harvest which has been ongoing since August 8th.

Quinta do Pinto is situated in the Lisbon Wine Region, near to Alenquer. The vineyards feature more than 25 grape varieties, red and white, national and international, and we were able to taste six of their range of contrasting styles. Members were welcomed with a glass of Lasso Rosé, or ‘Posh Pink’, as it says on the bottle, which was a lovely aperitif for a summer lunch. Once seated, we were served with two fish courses, a shrimp salad followed by a beautifully cooked robalo and these were well paired with two contrasting white wines, the Sauvignon Blanc and the Estate Collection White, which was much appreciated - an interesting blend of no fewer than six different grape varieties, Arinto, Viosinho, Fernao Pires with Marsanne, Viognier and Semillon!

Lunch continued with lamb fillets with a Port wine reduction and this was accompanied by two contrasting red wines, a blend of Merlot and Syrah and then a single varietal Touriga Nacional, which worked particularly well with the cheese that then followed. We were finally served a dessert of Orange Parfait with mascarpone crepe and ice cream. Delicious! This went beautifully with a Late Harvest which was luscious though lighter in style than some, reflecting the proximity of the vineyard to the Atlantic Coast. It only remained for a vote of thanks to both Rita Pinto and the Barradas team for another memorable occasion. Members departed well ‘fed and watered” and bearing a large number of cases of wine to be enjoyed over the weeks to come.

The Algarve Wine Society’s next events are a 4-day trip to the Ribera del Duero region of Spain ( October 15-19) and two wine tastings at Mercearia de Aldeia ( October 10 and 24). For further information visit algarvewinesociety.com.