04/05/2012 -
In response to the increased demand for accommodation in the region, Quinta do Vallado opens, in March 2012, its new Country Hotel. The Traditional House, that once belonged to Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira – the legendary Ferreirinha – and is now managed by her great-grandsons João Ferreira Alvares Ribeiro and Francisco Ferreira, had already five rooms available.
It worked as a Guest House and will keep full availability, although integrated in the new Hotel. This new wine tourism project is now more skilled and diverse, offering a whole new dimension that will make the difference in all those who stay there.
The project of the new hotel has the signature of the architect Francisco Vieira de Campos, who chose to follow the architectural language of the cellar. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and aromatic gardens, the Country Hotel at Quinta do Vallado now offers two buildings with very different set-ups, unifying tradition and modernity in a whole experience of Douro and its unique atmosphere. The interiors are full of references to a northern-European vintage style, sharing its surroundings with national materials in a perfect balance. The fireplaces in the common areas call for moments of pure dolce far niente or cosy gatherings with friends – duly accompanied, of course, by a bottle of the nectar masterfully produced in this historical farm. (click to read more)
08/05/2012 -
445 wine samples from 24 countries were tasted. The judges tasted in accordance with the International Rules, and they strictly followed Quality Assurance procedures. After three days of judging, the panels awarded medals to 149. The distribution of medals is as follows:
Gold Medals: 30
Silver Medals: 119
This is the short list of the Top Ten Best Syrah du Monde® 2012:
South Africa: The Stork Shiraz 2008, Hartenberg Farm
Australia: Barossa Valley 2010, Gatt Wines
France: Luberon. Grand Deffand 2009, Château la Verrerie
France : Côtes de Provence, Habillage "Noir et Or" 2006, Château La Tour de l'Évêque
Chile: El Olivar Alta Syrah 2009, Viu Manent y Cia
France: Hermitage Cuvée Emilie 2010, Desmeure / Domaine des Remizieres
France : Crozes-Hermitage Immanence 2009, Cave des Clairmonts
Portugal : Alentejo, Homenagem a Hans Christian Andersen 2009, Cortes de Cima
South Africa : Shiraz 2010, Saronsberg Cellar
France : Costières de Nîmes, Les Marquises 2009, Lamargue
South Africa Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2009, Rust en Vrede
Australia : Anthropology Shiraz, Cumulus Wines
Chile: Gran Reserva Syrah Vina Casa Tamaya del Limari
France : Saint Joseph Esprit de Granit, Cave de Tain l'Hermitage
(click to read more)
04/05/2012 -
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La Revista Vinum, Efe Radio y Telemadrid han sido los ganadores del VII Premio Periodístico El Cava en las categorías de prensa, radio y televisión, respectivamente. El director de cine José Luis Garci, el escritor Javier Moro, el diplomático Inocencio Arias y las periodistas Nativel Preciado y María Escario han sido los encargados de fallar los galardones que concede el Consejo Regulador del Cava para reconocer el respaldo que los medios de comunicación dan a nuestro vino espumoso.
En la categoría de prensa, el jurado decidió premiar el reportaje ‘El Panorama del Cava’ del periodista Bartolomé Sánchez publicado en la revista Vinum en noviembre de 2010. En lo que se refiere a radio, el premio ha sido para Juan Carlos Moreno Serrano y Juan Cimarra Moraleda por el reportaje ‘Paladar y Tomar: El Cava’ retransmitido por el grupo de emisoras de Efe Radio el 31 de enero de 2011. Finalmente, en el apartado de televisión, fue galardonada Begoña Tormo por su reportaje sobre el cava emitido el 9 de diciembre de 2011 en el programa Buenos Días Madrid de Telemadrid.
(click to read more)
26/04/2012 -
By bringing together the 1,038 exhibitors from 28 countries and the 14,000 buyers expected from all over the Asian-Pacific region, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, the exhibition to be held in Hong Kong from 29 to 31 May 2012, enables the wine and spirits industry to open up new horizons.
Europe will of course be very well represented by firms from Spain (Miguel Torres, Gonzalez-Byass), Germany (Egon Muller Scharzhof, Henkell & Co), Italy (Banfi Distribuzion, Luigi Cecchi), UK (MacLeod Distillers, Angus Dundee Distillers), Finland (Lignell & Piispanen), Greece (Sigalas, Katsaros), Switzerland (Groupe Schenk, Rouvinez Vins) and Poland (Bartex-Bartol Spolka Jawna), as well as Hungary (Torley).
A fine range of French products. As befits the leading supplier of wines to Asia, France, which exported 8.37 million cases to China in 2010 and 5.42 million* to Japan, will be amply represented by its greatest exporting brands, including Rémy Cointreau, Castel Frères, Maison Louis Latour, Champagnes Louis Roederer and Billecart-Salmon, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Bernard Magrez Grands Vignobles, Hugel & Fils, Georges Duboeuf, Frapin and la Martiniquaise, as well as Maison Louis Jadot, etc.
A 1000-square-metre French pavilion will also accommodate a host of French winegrowing companies.
Attendance by Pacific producers will break all records. Nearly 50 firms from Australia and New Zealand are coming to present their products at Vinexpo Asia-Pacific. Over the three days of the exhibition, hundreds of Australian and kiwi wines will be tasted ranging from Pernod Ricard to Treasury Wine Estates via Babich Wines.
24/04/2012 -
2012 is undoubtedly the year when the eyes of the world are focussed on the UK, and the nation’s wine producers are gearing up for a momentous few months ahead. The main showcase event for the UK wine industry is just around the corner - The ENGLISH WINE PRODUCERS TRADE & PRESS TASTING – taking place next week on Thursday, 3rd May at One Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA, between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
Recently released, new and currently available wines from the leading commercial producers in the industry, who make up English Wine Producers (EWP), will be on show. Their wines will be set out in style order on a central table and also available to taste on producers’ stands.
Another popular feature is the selection of wines represented by the industry’s regional vineyard associations. These are wines produced by regionally-based and emerging commercial vineyards, showing the quality and diversity of styles from around the UK.
To mark this special year, EWP will be launching its new branding and accompanying material, using the words “Celebrate with English Wine”. This will be applied to a range of marketing items, from shelf talkers in the form of bottle neck labels, table cards for the on trade and window stickers. The mood is upbeat, reflecting the festivities that the UK will be enjoying in 2012.
This year’s English Wine Week will be formally launched at the tasting. This year, the Week takes place over the Jubilee Celebrations (2nd-10th June). The level of trade uptake has been growing over the years, with English Wine Week seen as a vehicle to promote and enhance English wine listings in retailers and on trade. Support material in the form of posters and leaflets are available for any participants.
(click to read more)
24/04/2012 -
With a presence in The World's 50 Best Restaurants since the inaugural list 10 years ago, Thomas Keller is a true colossus of the gastronomic world. His iconic restaurant, The French Laundry in Yountville, California, effectively revolutionised American cooking, combining classical French techniques with distinctive, locally sourced quality ingredients years before such an approach became de rigueur.
For two years The French Laundry topped the list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants (2003, 2004) and built up global notoriety for individual dishes such as Oysters & Pearls, Salmon Cornets and Coffee & Donuts that have since become famous in their own right.
Per Se, which opened in New York in 2004, is Keller's 'urban interpretation' of The French Laundry and sets equally high standards of food and service. With two three-star restaurants on opposite coasts, Keller has passed day to day cooking responsibilities over to his respective chefs de cuisine, but his philosophy, influence and sheer presence still dominates both restaurants.
Further afield, Keller is revered across the world by chefs and diners alike for his graciousness, collaborative nature and enduring ability to inspire culinary perfection. (Click to read more)
20/04/2012 -
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El director de cine José Luis Garci, el escritor Javier Moro, el diplomático Inocencio Arias y las periodistas Nativel Preciado y María Escario serán los encargados de fallar el VII Premio Periodístico El Cava que concede el Consejo Regulador del Cava a los trabajos periodísticos publicados en prensa, radio y televisión que divulguen la cultura de este vino espumoso y potencien su prestigio.
Desde su creación en el año 2000, este reconocimiento se ha consolidado y ha alcanzado una gran notoriedad tanto por el número y calidad de los trabajos presentados, como por el prestigio de los miembros de los jurados que emitieron los veredictos.
Desde su primera edición, el Premio Periodístico ‘El Cava’ viene reconociendo el respaldo que los medios otorgan a este vino espumoso con un premio dotado de 12.000 euros para cada categoría. A los galardones optarán los trabajos publicados y emitidos en cualquier medio de comunicación durante el período comprendido entre febrero de 2010 y enero de 2012 presentados en las oficinas del Consejo Regulador del Cava antes del 29 de febrero de 2012. (Click to read more)
18/04/2012 -
Asia Wine Expo 2012- the wine trade platform that connects you to the Southeast Asia market will be held from 1-3 November in Singapore. It is organised by MP Asia Pte Ltd. MEREBO Messe Marketing based in Hamburg/Germany is in charge of organizing participants from Europe (except Spain) & North America.
Concurrently held with Asia Wine Expo 2012 are Delicioso Spain 2012 – a new food and beverage showcase on authentic Spanish food products, beverages and wine, and Oishii Japan 2012 – an all-encompassing food showcase that focus solely on Japanese food, beverages, and products and services related to the food business. (click to read more)
17/04/2012 -
At Rendez-Vous by Vinexpo, 150 international wine and spirits companies can rely on proven facilities and organizational know-how to display their products in the US.
It can be pretty tough getting wine aficionados in the largest market in the world to taste your wines, because of the complexity of local regulations. Rendez-Vous by Vinexpo, the three tasting days offered to American consumers on November 16, 17 and 18 in New York, provides this opportunity.
Vinexpo has ensured that the event will be fully representative internationally by offering exhibition areas to its exhibitors as well as to American importers. It will indisputably be an outstanding show with its top quality tasting areas, its decor and state-of-the-art logistics lending the tastings organized the importance of must-do events. Rendez-Vous by Vinexpo guarantees exhibitors that they will sidestep the complex administrative procedures and be sure that their budget is firmly under control. Marvin Shanken Group and Salon du Chocolat, who were also originally behind the Rendez-Vous initiative, contribute their notoriety and their knowledge about consumers. Bernard Magrez Grands Vignobles Propriétaire was the first exhibitor to sign up. “We obviously need to be present at top quality international events that are positioned just like my own wines”, says Bernard Magrez.
11/04/2012 -
Elena Arzak, Joint Head Chef at Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain, has been named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef, part of the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.
Elena is the fourth generation of the Arzak family to head up the restaurant since it opened in 1897. In the past five years, the restaurant has consistently ranked within the top 10 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and was the first Basque restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. A highly decorated family, Elena’s father Juan Mari Arzak was honoured with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s World's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony.
Having learnt her craft at home, Elena expanded her horizons through extensive travel. She studied in Lucerne, Switzerland before moving through the great kitchens of Europe including Maison Troisgros, Bras and Pierre Gagnaire, Carré des Feuillants and Le Vivarois in France, Louis XV in Monte-Carlo, Antica Ostería del Ponte in Italy, Le Gavroche in London and El Bulli in Spain before returning to the family business.
Elena has won international respect for her constantly evolving, cutting edge, research-based approach to cooking and experimentation with flavours. Through her single-minded dedication to Arzak and its signature Basque cuisine, Elena oversees not only a thriving restaurant but by working in tandem with her famous father, Juan Mari, has ensured that it is recognised as one of the most influential restaurants in the world today.
(click to read more)
30/03/2012 -
With consolidated revenue of ¤91.3 million, up by 6%, Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo went one better than its landmark 2011 result and confirmed its status as one of the leading players in Italy’s wine sector. 2011 was another record year that saw Santa Margherita’s sales volume reach the impressive total of 16.2 million bottles, distributed in 85 countries around the world and with Italy accounting for about 40% of the total.
Driving this success are Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, for more than 50 years the style icon of Italian Pinot Grigio around the world, and all the other wines that make up the Group’s wine mosaic in Italy’s main wine regions: Franciacorta with Ca’ del Bosco, Alto Adige with Kettmeir, Trentino with Santa Margherita, Eastern Veneto and Prosecco again with Santa Margherita and Torresella, Chianti Classico with Lamole di Lamole and Vistarenni, Maremma with Tenuta Sassoregale and Sicily with Terrelìade.
During 2011, the Group focused on celebrating a milestone anniversary for Pinot Grigio, the wine that has made the Santa Margherita brand famous and well-respected all over the world. Even today, Pinot Grigio is the mainstay of the Group’s business, particularly in North America, where for more than 30 years Santa Margherita’s continuing success has been all but unique on the international wine scene.
Positive trends in the United States have been mirrored by success in Canada, where Santa Margherita has an enviably strong, fast-growing position backed up by major investment in brand support. Other non-domestic markets, notably Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia, have proved to be even more dynamic overall. (Click to read more)
06/02/2012 -
Eight clubs wine tasting from the best American universities competed Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Consulate General of France in New York, in the competition organized by the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, Graves, Sauternes and Barsac. which represents the leading Left Bank chateaux and wine merchants of Bordeaux. With hope for the best two teams to win their place in the final and to visit the most famous vineyards of Bordeaux.. Under the benevolent authority of Grand Master Emmanuel Cruse and members of the jury, the candidates have first passed a theory test first, before three rounds of blind tasting. Insight, finesse and accuracy of judgments have allowed universities of Chicago and Wharton to carry the pre selection US.
25/01/2012 -
João Ferreira Alvares Ribeiro and his cousin Francisco Ferreira, owners of Quinta do Vallado in the Douro Valley in Portugal, have every right to celebrate. For the very first time since the recorded founding of the winery in 1716, Quinta do Vallado has declared a Vintage Port. The fact that no Vintage Port was produced for almost 300 years at Quinta do Vallado has got nothing to do with it not being able to produce a satisfactory quality to produce Vintage Port, nor that the hot and dry 2009 vintage offered the perfect conditions for it to do so…. The truth is a different story altogether, and is down the historical development of the Quinta.
The Quinta do Vallado lies on the outskirts of the town Regua, along the Rio Corgo tributary. The estate was one of the first Quintas purchased by the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896). This highly entrepreneurial woman took over the management of the Ferreira business, having been made a widow at just 33 years old. She successively bought and founded a whole empire of Quintas during the course of her life, gaining both prosperity and respect, and she invested her wealth in the local Douro valley infrastructure; in roads, schools and hospitals.
The grapes and wines from her Quintas (including Quinta do Vallado) were produced for Port sold under the name of “Ferreira”, one of the most respected Port shippers. When the sixth generation of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira took the helm of the Quinta in the 1990s, they – Joăo Alvares Ribeiro and Francisco Ferreira – decided to produce their own wines and market them using the Quinta do Vallado label. The range of wine primarily includes the white and red DOC Douro wines, along with a selection of Tawny Ports.
(Click to read more)
13/01/2012 -
Paris Las Vegas (www.parislasvegas.com) is pleased to announce internationally-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will open his first Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak, in the spring of 2012 in the heart of the picturesque resort. The new restaurant will replace Les Artistes Steakhouse.
Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay, known not only for his refined cuisine, but also his TV personality on several hit programs including "Hell's Kitchen," "MasterChef" and "Kitchen Nightmares," has generated world-wide attention and entertained viewers on six continents.
«Few chefs in the world have extended their reputations to as many countries and into as many homes as Chef Ramsay» said Paris Las Vegas President David Hoenemeyer. «His fiery passion for excellence has been validated by the culinary world's top epicurean honors, by his legions of delighted restaurant guests and by millions of TV fans. We, at Paris Las Vegas, believe that the addition of Gordon Ramsay Steak, will be an exciting new milestone in the city's impressive culinary evolution».
The contemporary steakhouse will boast a total of 274 seats including a large bar area, chef's table and private dining room in addition to the main room. Guests will be encouraged to relax in the spacious lounge or enjoy a cozy booth in this ultimate modern steakhouse.
(Click to read more)
16/12/2011 -
The association of winemakers Patrimoine des Terroirs is born nearly 5 years ago, at the initiative of Celine and Alain, two young managers, who already worked with 4 winegrowers, and the desire to promote the richness of French viticulture, diversity of soils or grape varieties.
Thirty selected winemakers in relation with their values, talents, currently compose this team, to develop a customer base of professionals in France and abroad.
With an amount of sales of 400 000 ¤ during the last 6 months, with a multiplication by 2.6 of the amount of sales compared to the same period in 2010, these results confirm the continued approach since this reorganization 18 months ago.
Patrimoine des Terroirs generates 75% of its sales abroad (Europa, America and Asia) and 25% on the traditional sector in France (wine shops, wine bars).
These excellent figures invited the 30 winegrowers to move their stock in December , in the company named “Transports Alix”, based in Burgundy, 10 minutes from Beaune, in an air-conditioned warehouse. The goals are :
- To reduce the time of preparation and delivery
- To provide a best quality service
- To allow their clients to overcome the cost of storage for lack of space, which immobilizes money
- To be closer to the most important centers of the wine business (freight forwarders, carriers ...)
Patrimoine des Terroirs, in figures
- 30 Independent winegrowers ( no negociant, no middle man)
- 12 winegrowing areas
- 1 common warehouse
- A single philosophy and the same values
- 350 wines, champagne and Spirits
- A quality label of authenticity