On an idyllic summer's evening, Conde Nast Traveller readers were treated to an evening exploring some of Portugal's finest wines. Two chefs travelled to London especially for the occasion, Arnaldo Azevedo, from newly Michelin-starred Vila Foz in Porto, and João Mourato, of Quinta do Quetzal restaurant, set on the slopes of Alentejo’s Vidigueira, close to the oldest known Roman winery in Portugal.
The evening was hosted in the stunning events space at Wild by Tart in Belgravia, complete with Portuguese-inspired florals. When guests arrived they were welcomed with a selection of canapés and paired wines.
Each course was introduced by the chef, as well as Wines of Portugal educator Sofia Salvador. Each course prompted lively discussion, with guests keen to comment on the tasting note of each pairing and how they complemented the dishes.
The favourite of the evening was the solo red, a glass of complex wine from João Mourato's estate Quinta do Quetzal Família 2016. It's bottled only in magnums to create an outstanding evolution while allowing the wine to remain at its best for a longer period. Guests commented on how fresh it was for such a powerful red, served ever so slightly chilled to highlight the notes of spice and black fruit.
The menu
Tender dough pastries, with Serpa cheese, spinach Farinheira ball and red pepper mustard
Luis Pato Sparkling Vinha Pan 2017
João Mourato of Alentejo
Crab tartlet and fermented ginger
Tuna, nori, avocado and coriander sandwich
Soalheiro Alvarinho Granit 2021
Chef Arnaldo Azevedo of Porto
Carabinero with cockles xerém and coriander
Andreza Douro Reserva Branco 2019
Chef Arnaldo Azevedo of Porto
Wild bass, cauliflower and crustaceans
Quinta dos Carvalhais Reserva Branco 2020
Chef Arnaldo Azevedo of Porto
Slow cooked Alentejo pork Presa, aubergine and cress
Quinta do Quetzal Família Magnum Red 2016
João Mourato of Alentejo
Encharcada and mandarin
Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal 10 Anos
João Mourato of Alentejo