|
On
April 23rd, 62 members of The Algarve Wine Society , all dressed in at
least a soupé on of pink, enjoyed Une Soiree en Rose. Ron Dodsworth and
Ken Kempson organized a tasting of eight of Portugal´s best rosé wines
at the A Colina Hotel and Restaurant in Ludo. Proving
that the lowly rosé has really come of age and joined the ranks of
Portugal´s better wines,
the assemblage tried outstanding examples from
the Douro, Dão, Estremadura, Ribatejo, Alentejo and indeed the Algarve
itself, and not a one was called Mateus or Lancers. All were found
worthy of being served well-chilled with the best summer lunch on the
beach or the terrace.
But even
better was to follow the tasting, when, much to everyone´s surprise, a
band of itinerant French players offered an enchanting piéce de theatre
called, appropriately enough, "La Vie en Rose". Created and directed by
Jeannette Kempson, this original 15 minute play reminded everyone of
the great popularity of Edith Piaf´s beautiful song of the same title,
as well as the Mateus rosé wine in the early 1960s. Set in St. Tropez,
we saw the fun loving Nathalie (Jeannette herself) and her well heeled
amour Jean Paul (played by Larry Hampton) further their affaire de
coeur on the terrace of the Hotel de la Pinéde, lubricated and
encouraged by a beautiful oval bottle of rosé wine. Comic relief was
supplied by the doorman (Ron Dodsworth) and the garçon (Serban Tiplea).
Judging by their liberal laughs and applause, the audience loved it.
An
excellent dinner prepared by chef Lee Newsome, featuring a choice of
Beef Wellington or Braised Salmon, followed and was supported by more
traditional white and red Comenda Grande wines. A toast to St. George,
a stirring chorus of Happy Birthday sung to Elsbeth Graf and Barbara
Preece and a rousing raffle closed the formal programme, but the
assemblage stayed late, talking about this very unique Algarve Wine
Society tasting. Who said rosé wines have to be dull? Magnifique!
Next
up for the Society will be a six-day trip to Madeira, May 6th -11th,
being led by Michael Berger. On May 30th the annual gourmet dinner will
take place at Vincent´s restaurant in Almancil, featuring wines from
the wonderful Dão producer Quinta das Marias. Closing the Spring
programme will be the traditional summer party on Sunday, June 29th, at
the Sagres Pousada, with a golf outing earlier in the day at the
Boavista GC in Lagos.
Membership in the Algarve Wine Society is
currently at its upper limit and a waiting list has been established.
However, if you would like further information about, or wish to join
the waiting list of, The Algarve Wine Society, please contact the
Secretary Larry Hampton on
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
