FLYER
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Members of the Chaiîne des Rôtisseurs and their guests gathered at Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate in Estombar at 10.00 am on Friday 21 May 201 for their first meeting after the easing of lockdown restriction. The group was met by Erhard Braun who started the proceedings with a description of the machinery needed to produce the wine. A detailed tour of the winery cellars followed; the present rules for social distancing for Portugal were observed. The group then proceeded from the cool of the cellars to the pleasant shade of the veranda and the open air aspect to be seated at tables of 6 to enjoy a wine blending workshop. Again 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 the personal blends were translated into full 75cl bottles each with its specific alcohol percentage and blend noted on the bespoke labels. When the bottles had been safely corked, foreseen of foil and sealed a convivial lunch followed.
Round tables seating 6 had been set out on the same veranda and the group enjoyed a double selection of starters which included king prawn and tuna tataki, salmon carpaccio with wasabi followed by chicken liver paté, dry-cured ham and smoked duck breast. The main course was lamb shank with a thyme sauce accompanied by potato gratin and fresh vegetables. Crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, fresh strawberries together with almond tart and raspberry sorbet served as a selection of deserts and brought the meal which had been prepared by Art de Bruin of Bon Bon Catering to a close. Each course had been accompanied by a wine pairing with wines from Quinta dos Vales wine estate, Duo Branco 2019, Duo Rosé 2019, Grace Vineyard 2014 and Licoroso de Touriga Nacional were enjoyed by all present.
Dr Jean Ferran, Bailli provincial, Sud du Tage, acting Bailli de l’Algarve thanked the estate owner Mr Karl Heinz Stock, the organisers of the event and workshop Cláudio Faria and Erhard Braun and Art de Bruin of Bon Bon Catering and presented the estate with a certificate of thanks from the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The group dispersed and went on their ways with the delightful memento of a bottle of their own blend preference wine to enjoy at a later time.
Valerie Lantau
V. Chargée de Presse