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Casa Ermelinda Freitas
The warmth of the Portuguese sun is tempered at Casa Ermelinda thanks to the breezes blowing in from the Atlantic that lies close by. Located at Palmela on the peninsula of Setubal, close to the Sado estuary south of Lisbon, there are currently 440 hectares of many different kinds of vines across the domain, with grapes supplied locally from a further 500ha or so. Head of the company Leonor Freitas has worked tirelessly to make many improvements out in the vineyards and in the winery where modern equipment goes hand in hand with traditional values under the skilled guidance of winemaker Jaime Quendera. Casa Ermelinda Freitas has been run by a long line of dynamic women, celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2020.
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The 1552 Siege of Eger became an emblem of Hungarian heroism when the castle was successfully defended against the united forces of the two greatest Ottoman troops. When accounted for the defeat of their 20-fold army, the Ottoman leaders claimed the Hungarians - including women - fought with such an unparalleled courage they must have had drank the bull’s blood. This gave the name to the region’s emblematic red blend, Egri Bikavér (bull’s blood of Eger). Every bottle is embossed with “1552 Eger". This wine is the truest representation of the legendary Egri Bikavér. Cool climate, volcanic soil with the combination of the best sites in Eger give rise to the fresh, spicy, ripe, vibrant fruits with a touch of leafiness from firm but well integrated, round tannins. Let it explode untamed out of a slightly chilled bottle. The founder of the winery, Tibor Gál was asked by none other than Ludovico Antinori himself to join Ornellaia in 1989 where he soon became the chief winemaker. One of his greatest achievements was the 1998 Ornellaia which was voted best wine in the world by Wine Spectator in 2001. Meanwhile Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the man behind Sassicaia, partnered with Gál and together they founded their winery in Eger. Tibor Gál jnr. is in charge today with no less talent. His Bikavér blends are the most honest representations of the volcanic terroir of Eger. Vibrancy, elegance and finesse define the identity of all his wines. I am sure his dad would have been extremely proud to have seen his son become the pioneer of a new era of Egri Bikavér.
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A Vintage Port is only declared in years of exceptional quality. Quinta do Vesuvio is arguably the most magnificent estate in the Douro valley. Located in the beautiful and austere Port-growing region of the Upper Douro valley, its history dates back to the 16th Century. “The quinta of all quintas – one of the wonders of the world”. At Vesuvio, the work of man and the work of nature achieve a perfect and enduring harmony. More than anywhere else in the Douro it has a haunting and enchanting beauty; when you leave it, you take with you a sense of the place that does not fade with time.
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Those who have tasted this wine know that the ‘simplicity’ of its name is about a philosophy, a family story; yet the wine is seriously complex. A blend of Cabernet Franc and Kékfrankos aged in small barrels – You can expect a seriously complex and rich red wine, while its velvety juiciness and ripe fruitiness really make it dangerously good to drink! 'Inni Jó' translates to 'Drinking is Good' "My younger son Vencel tasted a sip and said, it feels good to drink, then my eldest, Vince, pondered on ‘Drinking is good!’ – so my three-year-old instinctively articulated the essence we all have been working towards for generations." - Ipacs tells the story behind the label.
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To the joy of Ipacs family, he used the money put aside for the honeymoon to buy his vineyard. He ‘had to’, it was love at first sight, the world expands for me here and everything just fits into these barely two hectares. This little estate has been the constantly renewing symbol of togetherness, challenge, and happiness for the couple. It is clear that cabernet franc has found its home in Villány, and is the key to its future. According to the Villány appellation control system, “Villányi Franc” appellation is a carefully selected 100% cabernet franc – the flagship brand of the wine region. Villányi Franc is the embodiment of elegance, style and harmony. Not overwhelming, but uplifting. Let it time to open, taste it from a large glass.
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Eins-Zwei-Zero is a premium range of non-alcoholic wines created by award-winning winemaker Johannes Leitz. Using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Argentina, these wines are produced with great attention to detail. The alcohol is removed through gentle vacuum distillation at low temperatures, allowing the natural flavours and delicate aromas to be preserved.