Quinta Nova Wins Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards

29/07/2026Quinta Nova Reserva Vinha Centenária P28/P21 2021 earns 96 points at one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions.

Quinta Nova Reserva Vinha Centenária P28/P21 2021 has been awarded 96 points and a Gold Medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the most prestigious international competitions in the wine industry. The distinction further strengthens Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo’s position among the leading wine producers of the Douro and Portugal.

The award recognises a wine born from the union of two emblematic vineyard parcels on the estate. Parcel 28, home to Quinta Nova’s first monovarietal planting of Tinta Roriz, and the historic Parcel 21, a century-old vineyard planted on 19th-century terraces, preserving a unique genetic heritage of around 80 grape varieties.

In its published tasting note, Decanter described the wine as a remarkably elegant expression with outstanding ageing potential, highlighting aromas of dark plum, ripe blackberry and cherry, complemented by graphite minerality, refined tannins with hints of cocoa and a well-integrated acidity.

The complexity of Quinta Nova Reserva Vinha Centenária P28/P21 2021 results from the combination of these two historic vineyard parcels, further enhanced by 12 months of ageing in new French oak barrels followed by an extended period of bottle ageing, contributing to the wine’s depth, balance and sophistication.

Produced in a limited edition of fewer than 5,000 bottles, the wine originates from a pioneering project launched between 1979 and 1981 in partnership with the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative introduced the Douro’s first monovarietal vineyard plantings at Quinta Nova, dedicated to Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz.

More than two decades after the release of the first wine in this range, Quinta Nova Reserva Vinha Centenária P28/P21 continues to represent the history of the modernisation of Douro viticulture, while reflecting the richness of the estate’s terroir and the identity of one of the region’s most iconic wine properties.

 

 

Casal Garcia Launches New Brand Campaign

28/07/2026Aveleda's flagship brand embraces humour to strengthen its connection with consumers through TV, digital platforms and summer festivals

Casal Garcia has launched a new communications campaign under the slogan ‘Assim como quem não bebe a coisa’, using humour to challenge long-standing preconceptions surrounding one of Portugal’s best-selling wine brands.

Created by creative agency O Escritório, the campaign is based on an insight drawn from market research: although many consumers claim they do not drink Casal Garcia, the brand continues to be present at countless moments of celebration and social gatherings. Playing on the contrast between perception and reality, the campaign seeks to dismantle this stigma with a light-hearted and humorous approach.

The campaign also reinterprets the well-known Portuguese expression ‘Há quem veja e quem diga que não vê’ (“Some see it, while others insist they don’t”), adapting it to the brand’s universe to remind consumers that many shared moments with family and friends—from long dinners to spontaneous toasts—often feature a glass of Casal Garcia on the table.

According to Ana Sampaio, Marketing Director at Aveleda, the campaign explores the gap between what consumers say and what they actually do, positioning the brand with a relaxed and confident tone. The aim is to break this taboo while reinforcing Casal Garcia’s authenticity and its emotional connection with consumers.

Running throughout July and August, the campaign will be featured across television, digital platforms, outdoor advertising, point-of-sale activations, and at the NOS Alive and MEO Marés Vivas music festivals.

With this latest campaign, Casal Garcia reinforces its positioning as the “Ambassador of Joy”, promoting a message of authenticity and encouraging consumers to celebrate life’s shared moments without preconceptions.

Adega José de Sousa Launches Special Wine Tourism Programme

27/07/2026Until the end of July, Adega José de Sousa, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, is hosting its 'Bem-vindo Verão! Welcome Summer' wine tourism programme, an experience combining a winery tour, wine tasting and food pairing to showcase the Alentejo's rich winemaking heritage.

The programme includes a guided tour of the historic winery, followed by a tasting of three white wines – Montado Branco, Montado Branco Reserva and Porco Bravo Branco – paired with a selection of cheeses. The experience has been designed to highlight the versatility of Alentejo white wines and their natural affinity with the region’s gastronomy.

Founded in 1878 and part of the José Maria da Fonseca group since 1986, Adega José de Sousa is renowned for preserving a winemaking tradition spanning more than two thousand years. It remains one of the few wineries in the world where traditional clay amphorae (talhas) are still used to produce wine, following ancient methods inherited from the Roman era.

According to Sofia Soares Franco, Head of Wine Tourism, Events and Corporate Communication at José Maria da Fonseca, the programme has been created to offer a relaxed experience that allows visitors to discover the richness of Alentejo’s white wines and the winery’s unique history, during one of the best times of the year to explore the region.

Available throughout July by prior booking, the experience reinforces Adega José de Sousa’s commitment to wine tourism, celebrating the region’s heritage, culture and gastronomy through a programme that brings together history, wine and the traditional flavours of the Alentejo.

Altano Recognised in Portugal and Internationally

27/07/2026Altano Reserva Tinto 2022 wins Gold Medal at the Vinhos de Portugal Competition while Altano Tinto 2022 is named among Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines.

Two wines from the Altano range, produced by Symington Family Estates, have recently received major national and international accolades, reinforcing the reputation of Douro wines in some of the world’s most influential wine markets.

Altano Reserva Tinto 2022 was awarded a Gold Medal at the Vinhos de Portugal Competition, organised by ViniPortugal, one of the country’s most prestigious wine competitions. Produced exclusively from grapes grown on Symington family estates, primarily in the Douro Superior, the wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet.

Meanwhile, Altano Tinto 2022 gained international recognition by being included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025, ranking 48th and becoming the only Portuguese still wine featured on the list compiled by one of the world’s most influential wine publications.

These distinctions reflect the consistency of the Altano range and the work carried out by Symington Family Estates in promoting the traditional grape varieties and unique identity of the Douro, while further strengthening the international reputation of Portuguese wines.

To celebrate the arrival of summer, the producer recommends enjoying both wines served slightly chilled, between 14°C and 16°C, highlighting their versatility at the table. They pair particularly well with barbecues, grilled meats, burgers, charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as relaxed outdoor dining.

Produced from vineyards owned by the Symington family across the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior sub-regions, Altano wines continue to establish themselves as an authentic expression of the Douro, combining quality, accessibility and both national and international acclaim.

Symington Recommends Five Wines to Toast the Summer

24/07/2026Selection brings together white, rosé and sparkling wines from the Douro and Alentejo, perfect for the warmest days of the season.

Symington Family Estates has unveiled a selection of five wines to accompany the summer season, showcasing the diversity of the Douro and Alentejo through two white wines, one rosé and two sparkling wines, all designed to complement outdoor dining, sunsets and relaxed gatherings.

Among the white wines, Altano Douro Branco stands out for its fresh, light and fruity profile, making it an ideal pairing for grilled fish, seafood and casual summer meals. Bom Malandro Branco, on the other hand, offers greater complexity, combining floral notes with orchard fruit, tropical fruit and a delicate mineral character, making it particularly suited to longer meals and more refined food pairings.

The selection also includes Quinta da Fonte Souto Rosé, produced in the Upper Alentejo. With aromas of cherry, raspberry and delicate floral notes, it is designed to accompany warm summer days, from sunset drinks to light meals.

For sparkling wines, Symington recommends Vértice Cuvée, recognised for its elegance and balance, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or as an aperitif, alongside Vértice Rosé, produced predominantly from the Touriga Franca grape variety and distinguished by its delicate, fresh and versatile profile.

With this selection, Symington Family Estates aims to showcase the diversity of wines produced across its estates, bringing together labels that reflect the distinct character of the regions where the group operates while emphasising freshness, elegance and versatility throughout the summer months.

Quinta de Lemos Wins Three Gold Medals at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

22/07/2026Dão producer earns five distinctions at one of the world’s most prestigious international wine competitions.

Quinta de Lemos has once again strengthened its international reputation by winning three Gold Medals at the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), one of the world’s most respected wine competitions. The awards were presented to Dona Georgina 2017, Touriga Nacional 2017 and Jaen 2017, recognising the quality and distinctive identity of the wines produced in Portugal’s Dão region.

In addition to the Gold Medals, the jury also awarded Honourable Mentions to Dona Santana 2017 and Tinta Roriz 2017, bringing the total number of distinctions received by Quinta de Lemos in this year’s competition to five.

Held annually, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles brings together thousands of wines from dozens of countries, assessed by an independent panel of international experts including winemakers, sommeliers, journalists and wine buyers. It is widely regarded as one of the wine industry’s leading global competitions.

These latest awards reflect Quinta de Lemos’ ongoing commitment to showcasing the traditional grape varieties of the Dão and producing wines that faithfully express the character of the region. Among the winners, Dona Georgina 2017 stands out as one of the estate’s flagship wines, while Touriga Nacional 2017 and Jaen 2017 highlight the potential of two of the Dão’s most emblematic grape varieties through wines of remarkable longevity and strong varietal identity.

With these results, Quinta de Lemos further consolidates the growing international recognition of its wines. Located in the heart of the Dão Valley, the estate was established by Celso de Lemos in the 1990s and has been producing wines since 2005. The project also includes the Mesa de Lemos restaurant, led by chef Diogo Rocha, which has been awarded one Michelin Star, two Repsol Suns and a Sustainable Sun, reinforcing the close relationship between wine, gastronomy and wine tourism.

Periquita Brotherhood Welcomes 25 New Members at its 26th Grand Chapter

20/07/2026Celebration marked the 222nd anniversary of José Maria da Fonseca’s birth and the 176th anniversary of the Periquita brand.

The Periquita Brotherhood gathered more than one hundred members and ambassadors of the historic Portuguese wine brand for its 26th Grand Chapter, held at the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum in Azeitão. The ceremony, which took place on a particularly symbolic date for the company, was marked by the induction of 25 new members from different nationalities.

The gathering simultaneously celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the birth of José Maria da Fonseca and the 176th anniversary of the Periquita brand, recognised as Portugal’s oldest table wine brand. Among the new Brothers and Sisters of the Confraria were wine enthusiasts and personalities from several countries, further strengthening the organisation’s international dimension.

The celebrations concluded with a dinner at the Adega dos Teares Novos, in an intimate setting that brought together participants from countries including Sweden, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Norway and Luxembourg.

In the opening session, António Soares Franco, Chairman of the Board of José Maria da Fonseca and representative of the family’s sixth generation, highlighted Periquita’s historical role as a symbol of both the company’s identity and the Azeitão region. He also emphasised the brand’s ability to evolve over time while preserving its authenticity and strong connection to its origins.

“Periquita must honour its past, but it must also engage with the present and prepare for the future,” said António Soares Franco, adding that the work carried out from vineyard to market has been fundamental in maintaining the brand’s relevance among different generations of consumers and across new international markets.

Founded in 1993, the Periquita Brotherhood aims to promote the prestige and heritage of the brand, celebrate its unique characteristics and bring together enthusiasts around one of Portugal’s most iconic wines. Today, it counts 225 inducted members, including national and international figures from a wide range of backgrounds.

Among its members are personalities such as Brazilian television presenter Ana Maria Braga, singer Fafá de Belém, actor Ricardo Pereira, chefs Marlene Vieira, João Sá and Rui Paula, as well as former President of the Portuguese Republic Jorge Sampaio.

More than a traditional wine brotherhood, the organisation serves as an international network of Periquita ambassadors, helping to preserve and promote the legacy of one of Portugal’s most iconic wines while projecting the name of Azeitão beyond national borders.

Quetzal Launches New Edition of Trincadeira da Coroa Rosé

17/07/2026Wine from Vidigueira undergoes four years of ageing before release, offering an unconventional interpretation of the Trincadeira grape variety.

Quinta do Quetzal has launched Quetzal Rosé Trincadeira da Coroa 2022, the second edition of this wine made exclusively from 100% Trincadeira, designed to showcase a distinctive expression of both the grape variety and the Vidigueira terroir.

Classified as D.O.C. Alentejo–Vidigueira, the wine originates from Vinha dos Pinheiros, a vineyard parcel distinguished by three pine trees that naturally form a crown-like silhouette in the landscape, inspiring the name of this unique label.

Produced on schist soils and benefiting from the influence of Atlantic breezes moderated by the Serra do Mendro, Quetzal Rosé Trincadeira da Coroa 2022 takes a markedly different approach from the more conventional Alentejo rosés. Rather than focusing on immediate aromatic exuberance, it emphasises tension, texture and bottle-ageing potential.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in used 500-litre oak barrels and then remained in the cellar for several additional years before release, resulting in a total ageing period of approximately four years. According to the producer, this extended maturation allowed the wine to achieve greater balance, complexity and gastronomic versatility.

According to winemaker José Portela, the objective was to reveal “a different dimension of the Trincadeira grape variety and of Alentejo rosé,” while preserving the freshness and tension provided by Vinha dos Pinheiros through precise winemaking and restrained oak ageing.

Pale salmon-pink in colour, the wine displays aromas of fresh fruit, with notes of watermelon water and dried cereal fields. On the palate, it is dry and vibrant, showing subtle tannins, crisp acidity and a long, persistent finish.

With an alcohol content of 12%, Quetzal Rosé Trincadeira da Coroa 2022 was crafted to pair with grilled fish, sushi, beef carpaccio, shrimp açorda, mild cheeses and poultry dishes.

The wine is now available through specialised wine retailers, restaurants and the Quinta do Quetzal online shop.

Matriarca Hosts the Cockburn’s Sessions

13/07/2026July programme brings live music and signature cocktails to summer evenings in the heart of Porto.

Matriarca, the Symington family’s venue in the centre of Porto, will host the Cockburn’s Sessions throughout the month of July, offering a summer programme that combines live music and signature cocktails in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Taking place every Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the initiative invites both locals and visitors to unwind after work or enjoy an informal gathering with friends, making the most of Porto’s summer evenings.

Over the course of four weeks, guests will enjoy live performances by O Mau Olhado, the musical project led by José Cardoso, whose performances have been chosen to create the laid-back soundtrack for the Cockburn’s Sessions and enhance the venue’s summer atmosphere.

A special menu of Cockburn’s signature cocktails will be available at exclusive prices throughout the event, featuring creations such as Rosa, Floral, Walking Dead, and the classic Cockburn’s Port & Tonic, all crafted using the brand’s renowned Port wines.

With this initiative, Matriarca further strengthens its commitment to creating experiences that bring together gastronomy, music and cocktails, reinforcing its position as one of Porto’s go-to destinations for enjoying relaxed summer evenings.

 

 

Casa Relvas Wins Gold Medal at the National Olive Oil Competition

10/07/2026Award recognises the quality of Casa Relvas Olive Oil and reinforces the Alentejo producer’s commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Casa Relvas has won its first Gold Medal at the National Olive Oil Competition of Portugal, one of the most prestigious competitions in the Portuguese olive oil sector. The distinction was awarded to Casa Relvas Olive Oil in the Ripe Fruity Olive Oil / Large Producer category during the 20th edition of the competition, held in Santarém.

Organised by CEPAAL – Centre for Studies and Promotion of Alentejo Olive Oil, in partnership with CNEMA – National Centre for Agricultural Exhibitions and Markets, the National Olive Oil Competition of Portugal is regarded as one of the country’s leading initiatives for recognising and promoting the quality of Portuguese olive oils.

The Gold Medal awarded to Casa Relvas Olive Oil acknowledges the quality of its sensory profile, characterised by balance, complexity and aromatic expression — attributes that reflect the work carried out in the company’s olive groves and the technical expertise of the production team.

For António Relvas, Co-CEO of Casa Relvas, the distinction carries special significance as it represents the first gold medal ever awarded to the company’s olive oils. According to the executive, the recognition comes at a particularly important moment for the project, reinforcing a path built on quality, territorial identity and responsible production.

The award follows just a few months after Casa Relvas became the first olive oil producer to be certified under the Olive Oil Sustainability Programme (PSA), an initiative promoted by OLIVUM – Association of Olive Growers and Olive Mills of Portugal. The company received PSA Certificate No. 1, becoming a pioneer in implementing this sustainability framework within the sector.

The combination of sustainability certification and the achievement of a Gold Medal further strengthens Casa Relvas’ position as one of Portugal’s benchmark olive oil producers, highlighting its ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and environmental responsibility.

With this distinction, Casa Relvas consolidates recognition for its work in olive oil production and further enhances the reputation of Alentejo products among consumers and within the Portuguese market.