July 26th saw 31 members and guests gather at Andy and Vicky Bori's house for the Summer Garden Party.

​

The day started aslightly cool, with a light shower, but the weather cleared and we were able to enjoy an excellent summer afternoon on the patio overlooking the beautiful garden.

​

As the theme for the afternoon was set as "Iberian" we were welcomed with a glass of white port and tonic - a refreshing start to the afternoon. 

​

This was followed by a selection of 6 Portugese wines provided by Tanners of Shrewsbury:

​

• White 1. Coraço Obra Prima, Vinho Verde 2024  (9.5% Alc) £9.80

An easy-drinking, fresh, floral wine with plenty of zippy, sherbert fruit. Good and lively with an attractive spritz. 
Grapes are Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto
 

• White 2. Tons de Duorum, Douro Branco 2024  (12.5% Alc) £12.30

Intense tropical and citrus fruit aromas, intertwined with floral and mineral notes. The tropical and citrus follows through on the beautifully refreshing palate. Well structured with a long mineral streak on the finish.
Grapes are 30% Viosinho, 25% Rabigato, 20% Verdelho, 20% Arinto and 5% Moscatel
 

• White 3. Terra de Lobos Fernão Pires/Sauvignon Blanc, Tejo, Casal Branco 2024  (12% Alc) 11.20

This is an excellent example of the fantastic new wave of wines coming out of southern Portugal today. It has a lovely spicy hint of Muscat or Gewürztraminer on the nose followed by ripe apricot fruit on the palate.
Grapes 70% Fernão Pires, 30% Sauvignon Blanc

 

• Red 1. Tanners Douro Red 2021  (14% Alc) £11.90

Lovely juicy black fruit character with herbs and peppery hints on the palate. Plenty of depth, complete and easy. A fine example of what the Douro can do.
Grapes Touriga Nacional 40%, Touriga Franca 40%, Tinta Roriz 20%
 

• Red 2. Smart Dog Syrah/Trincadeira, Alentejo, J P Ramos 2024 (13.5% Alc)  £12.30

A fragrant creation of lavender, chocolate and spice box, with a fruit-filled palate and ripe tannins
Grapes Syrah & Trincadeira

​

• Red3. Gandarada Tinto, Dão 2022 (13% Alc)  £12.30

Attractive red and blackcurrant fruit on the palate with hints of prunes and herbs. Well balanced tannins and good length.
Grapes 35% Touriga Nacional, 35% Alfrocheiro, 30% Tinta Roriz

​

We were able to finish with an excellent tawny port as a digestif.

​

Andy and Vicky, ably supported by Sue Rossell provided an excellent buffet lunch with light bites as appetizers, followed by a two paellas and a juicy, rare roast beef. This was follwed by a choice of cheeses and deserts with pastel de nata and a fennel cake.

​

The party went on until around 7:30pm, with many enjoying the final sunny spot at the bottom of the garden.

​

Thanks are due to Andy and Vicky for the excellent meal and the use of their house and lovely garden.

David and Sue Rossell for logistics and catering assistance and the ports.

 

The wines were sourced by Martin Harris and matched the event perfectly.

O