Algarve shines again for its outstanding gastronomy
A ceremony honouring Portugal’s best wine and gastronomy talents was held this week at the Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto by the Portuguese wine magazine Revista de Vinhos.
Revista de Vinhos has been hosting annual events celebrating the best gastronomic locations in Portugal since 1996.
Ocean was awarded “Restaurant of the Year”
The Algarve achieved two prestigious awards this year: Joana Reis, head sommelier at the Lagos restaurant Avenida, won the “Sommelier of the Year”, whilst Hans Neuner’stwo-Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc in Porches, won the “Restaurant of the Year” award.
Joana Reis, head sommelier at Avenida in Lagos, received the “Sommelier of the Year” award
For the wine selection, the “Wine of the Year” award went to producer and winemaker Luís Pato for his Pé Franco das Valadas 2020, a red wine made from a pre-phylloxera vineyard of the Baga grape variety. This wine is known for its pronounced acidity, delicate balance, and great potential for evolution.
“Personality of the Year in Wine” went to winemaker João Nicolau de Almeida, who was associated with Ramos Pinto for 40 years before initiating the family project at Quinta do Monte Xisto, also in the Douro, was honoured for the exceptional work carried out in that region over the past decades.
The title of “Producer of the Year“ was awarded to Rocim, led by Catarina Vieira and Pedro Ribeiro. The company focuses on the Alentejo and Lisbon regions and has multiple partnerships across Portugal and abroad.
With 94% of its production exported to 37 countries, Quevedo was named “Fortified Wine Producer of the Year”, distinguished for modernising the language and image of Port Wine.
The underlined “Viticologist/Researcher of the Year” highlighted the work of Ana Mota, head of viticulture at Quinta Nova (Douro) and Taboadella (Dão).
The “Revelation Producer of the Year” award went to the Domínio do Açor project in Dão, which unites a dozen Brazilian investors and achieved high-level examples inspired by Burgundy wines.
The “Company of the Year” title went to José Maria da Fonseca, based in Azeitão, which celebrates 190 years and has a reach far beyond its native Setúbal Peninsula.
The Granja dos Moinhos cheese, the chèvre da Maçussa, made by Adolfo Henriques, won the award for “Artisanal Producer of the Year“.
The Dory range of wines, produced in the Lisbon region by Adega Mãe, received the “Brand of the Year” award.
And David Baverstock, probably the most Portuguese Australian and currently the winemaking coordinator of the Winestone group, was considered “Winemaker of the Year.” Jorge Mata, the “Revelation Winemaker”, surprises with the irreverence and tension of the Ramilo wines in Sintra.
Lisbon’s Garrafeira Estado d’Alma, was recognised as “Store/Wine Cellar of the Year“, whilst Quinta de Ventozelo, in Douro, received the “Wine Tourism of the Year” award, and the city of Porto was considered the “Gastronomic Destination of the Year.”
The “Distributor of the Year” distinction was awarded to Wine Concept.
Aurora Goy, from the Porto restaurant Apego, won the promising category “Revelation Chef of the Year”, and Tasquinha da Linda, in Viana do Castelo, won the title of “Wine Service of the Year”.
The red wine EA 2022, Regional Alentejano, made by Adega da Cartuxa – Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, was distinguished as “Purchase of the Year“.
The Revista de Vinhos Best of the Year awards have been celebrated for nearly three decades, honoring the finest in Portuguese wine and gastronomy. These awards, regarded as the “Oscars” of the industry, reflect the evolution of Portugal’s wine scene.
“This year, we presented awards in 25 categories, highlighting projects and individuals who make a significant difference. In 2024, we acknowledge the merit and dedication of numerous professionals while also looking to the future with confidence and enthusiasm,” Nuno Guedes Vaz Pires, Director of Revista de Vinhos, stated
Article originally published by Alexandra Stilwell on Portugal Resident.
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