Explore the best of the region’s wines at the International Algarve Fair
28/4/2012

Many of the region’s leading wine producers will be offering samples of their produce and wine tasting opportunities at the International Algarve Fair, proving why the Algarve should not be overlooked as a serious wine-making region. The first weekend in June will be an opportunity to discover the flavours of the Algarve’s vineyards, from small family-run businesses to fast-growing internationally-acclaimed names.

Many of the wines that will be on offer have been produced for decades but only recently come to light. Others are taking wine-production in new directions, with the likes of biological wines.

Back this year is Alvor-based wine-producer Quinta da Penina (Alvor), which makes the renowned Foral wine.

In 2010 Quinta da Penina (www.vinhosportimao.com) was awarded a Gold Medal in the international Wine Masters Challenge 2010 for its Foral de Portimão Reserva 2008. Of 4,497 wines, 258 medals were awarded, by a panel of judges, the Foral de Portimão Reserva being amongst the most highly acclaimed.

Quinta João Clara (Vale de Lousas, Alcantarilha) and Monte da Casteleja (www.monteda casteleja.com) will also be returning. Quinta João Clara was established in 1975, when João Clara purchased the property and planted the first vines. It produced its first marketed wine (João Clara Tinto – Vinho Regional do Algarve) in 2006, the completion of a young producer’s dream. Currently run by Edite Alves, Quinta João Clara is dedicated to producing wines of fine quality.

Now owned by winegrower Guillaume Leroux, Monte da Casteleja was originally purchased by Guillaume‘s Sagres-born grandfather, already highly-respected in the fishing industry, in 1952.

First introduced to the “magic of wines” by his French father, over the decades Guillaume realised the great potential of Portuguese wines, becoming passionate about wine after discovering the richness and complexity of the world of vinho during his travels and studies.

With the mission of producing a “high quality regional wine”, since 1998 Guillaume has built on Monte da Casteleja to achieve his objective. Despite Monte da Casteleja’s wines now being widely applauded, they received further acclamation of quality when in 2010 globally respected wine journalist Sarah Ahmed (aka. ‘The Wine Detective’) elected its ‘Maria Selection Tinto 2007’ (red) as one of the ‘50 Great Portuguese Wines, 2010’.

More recently, this weekend in fact, the company launched its brand new Meia Praia range, a wine aimed specifically at the Algarve market and which aims to embody the light, fresh flavours of the holiday spirit.

Meia Praia wine is made on the Monte da Casteleja farm, just two kilometres from the Meia Praia beach after which it is named; a very exciting new introduction to regional wines.

It was launched through a handful of Meia Praia restaurants this weekend where it will remain available.

Another new introduction to the International Algarve Fair is Golfer’s Corner, an area within the main pavilion completely dedicated to golf and with its own golf course and one of only two golf simulators in Portugal.

If you would like to showcase your wines, wine-related or golf products, a few stands are still available. Book now by contacting Fair Manager Sonia Seixas on: 282 380 317, email: sales@algarvefair.com, or visit the website at: www.algarvefair.com

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