Island Wine Store

03/08/2024

31/07/2024

06/07/2024

In search of the perfect Rosé!! With its origin in the Douro and produced by Escadas Infinitas Rosé is one of the rosés of the moment. Entrance notes of red fruits, a lot of freshness and an incredible balance.

23/07/2023

Vértice Gouveio 2011 - In the last few months we tried hundreds of sparkling wines, this one is on our top 10 for sure. Good body, right amount of acidity and elegant and silky bubbles. 🍾🥂

22/07/2023

In one of the most emblematic Alentejo properties, known as Herdade Grande and located in the unique sub-region that is Vidigueira, a family has shared its passion for four generations: to honor the most genuine that the land offers.

That is where the best grapes and the elegant and distinctive wines are born. Preserving the region's iconic grape varieties and proposing new approaches that enhance the expression of such a special terroir. 🌿🍇

21/07/2023

Next time you're choosing a wine, consider the Monte das Talhas Red Reserve. It's a well-rounded blend of Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Miúda, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah, featuring a palate full of red fruit and a hint of toast. Its balanced tannins and long-lasting finish make it a truly memorable wine. 🍷

20/07/2023

Soave is a renowned Italian wine region located in Veneto, named after its medieval city, situated east of Verona. Despite possible misconceptions due to the term 'suave' in Portuguese, Soave wines are not sweet. Instead, they're dry, light-bodied, delicate, and aromatic white wines with an enticing charm. It's been said that a good Soave is like having Vivaldi in your glass.

Soave DOC has three categories: Soave, Soave Classico, and Soave Colli Scaligeri. Most Soave wines, around 30 million bottles per year, come from the flatter areas of the DOC. The Soave Classico, recognized in 1931, represents wines of higher quality from the areas between the cities of Soave and Monforte d'Alpone, producing about 12 million bottles per year. The wines from this region, with its volcanic and limestone soils, are particularly flavorful and structured.

Soave Colli Scaligeri refers to wines from hillside areas outside the Classico region, but due to name recognition and perception difficulties, many producers opt to label their wines under the basic Soave denomination.

There are also two DOCGs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita): Soave Superiore DOCG and Recioto di Soave, a naturally sweet wine made from air-dried grapes, similar to Amarone.

For Soave DOC wines, at least 70% must be the native Garganega grape, complemented by up to 30% Trebbiano di Soave or Chardonnay. However, many producers prefer to use 100% Garganega to enhance the characteristic style of these wines.

19/07/2023

Sweet or savory? Why not both! 🍰🧀

Our Quinta do Piloto Moscatel de Setúbal Superior is your perfect match. This wine loves a rich dessert and a bold blue cheese just as much as you do. Give it a try and let this elegant Moscatel elevate your gastronomic experiences. 🍷

17/07/2023

"Wine of the Dead": Discover this Unique 19th Century Portuguese Tradition 🍷

Harking back to the early 19th century in Portugal, during the time of the Napoleonic Invasion, comes an intriguing tradition known as the "Wine of the Dead." This unique custom emerged as a creative response to the adversities of war.

Legend tells us that fearing looting by invading soldiers, the local vineyard workers cleverly buried their precious wine bottles deep in the earth. This act of concealment served a surprising purpose: when peace returned and the wines were unearthed, the vintners found that the wines had transformed. They boasted an improved taste, an alcohol content of around 10º/11º, a superior aroma, and a natural effervescence, all credited to the steady temperature and darkness underground.

Thus, the "Wine of the Dead" tradition was born, the name poetically referencing the burial and 'resurrection' of the wine bottles.

Today, this tradition is less commonly practiced, but it hasn't been completely lost to time. Certain forward-thinking wineries have embarked on projects to revive and conserve this remarkable legacy, keeping the spirit of the "Wine of the Dead" alive.

16/07/2023

Did you know that the Moscatel family of grapes is among the oldest genetically unmodified vines still in existence?
This fascinating family of grapes can be traced back thousands of years, with origins in the Middle East. 🍇🌍

15/07/2023

Ever sipped on a 100-year-old wine? With Moscatel de Setúbal, it's possible! These wines are known for their incredible aging potential. In fact, some are aged for over a century before being released. 🕰️🍷

14/07/2023

Experience the best of Setúbal Peninsula with Moscatel de Setúbal. This wine stands tall among the finest Portuguese wines. 🍷

The blend of grapes from two distinct terrains: the clay-limestone slopes of Serra da Arrábida and the sandy soils of Poceirão are just some of the components that make this wine so special.

It has a topaz color and hints of brown. The aroma is a mix of citrus, marmalade, and dried fruits, with a touch of aged brandy. On the palate, it offers a balance of sweetness and acidity, leaving a lasting impression.

Start your journey with Moscatel de Setúbal from Quinta do Piloto today. 😉

13/07/2023

What's the Difference Between Cava and Prosecco? 🍾🥂

Regarding sparkling wines, Cava and Prosecco are two of the most popular contenders in the market. Both are incredible choices of wine to be enjoyed on special occasions. But what exactly is the difference between Cava and Prosecco?

The first difference between the two wines is the grapes used to create them. Cava is often produced using a blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada indigenous grapes, while Prosecco is made using a single grape variety - Glera. It could be argued that this gives Cava a more complex flavor profile than Prosecco, and the different grape varieties used in its production may also contribute to a smoother flavor.

Another difference between Cava and Prosecco is the area in which they are created. Cava can only be produced in certain designated regions of Spain, while Prosecco can be made in selected places of Northeastern Italy. This means Cava has an Appellation of Origin status, meaning it must adhere to stricter guidelines when creating the wine.

Finally, the price of Cava and Prosecco can vary drastically. Cava will typically cost more money than Prosecco due to its Appellation of Origin status and more intricate production process. Prosecco is considered an affordable wine that is great for those on a budget, while Cava is more appropriate for high-end occasions or those with a slightly higher budget.

When looking for a light and fizzy drink for a casual occasion, Prosecco is a great choice. It is affordable with a light, fruity, and refreshing flavor. On the other hand, Cava is well-suited for more special occasions. It is more expensive but has a complex flavor profile that is perfect for a luxurious and elegant celebration.

Regarding sparkling wines, Cava and Prosecco have many similarities but also a few key differences. By understanding these distinct characteristics, we can better choose which wine is most appropriate for a particular occasion.

12/07/2023

It's International ! 🍾🥂

Cava is a high-quality sparkling wine originating from Spain, known for its characteristic bubbles and brilliant golden hue. The term 'cava' stems from the term for ancient underground cellars where the wine was traditionally stored. Cava is the product of a double fermentation process, similar to the Méthode Champenoise used in producing French champagne and Italian spumante, referred to as the Traditional Method in Spain.

Sparkling wines like cava retain dissolved gas from a second fermentation in the bottle, where yeast and sugars are added to a base wine that has already undergone first-stage fermentation. Cavas vary in sugar content, from three grams per liter in a Brut Nature to 50 grams in Semi Seco, and also in aging time, which significantly influences the wine's flavor, aroma, and complexity. They are categorized as Cava de Guarda (9-17 months), Cava Reserva (18-30 months), Cava de Gran Reserva (over 30 months), and Cava de Paraje Calificado (over 36 months), based on their fermentation time.

Cava is produced in various provinces of Spain, with the majority of production concentrated in Catalonia, particularly in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, a town in the Penedès region of Barcelona. Spanish cava is so well-regarded that Spain ranks as the world's second-largest producer of sparkling wine, just behind France.

As for serving and pairing, cava should be served cold but not chilled in a refrigerator or with ice. It pairs well with a wide range of foods and can even be used as a culinary ingredient. Semi-dry cava is a great match for desserts.

In essence, cava is a traditional, refreshing, and light sparkling wine from Catalonia, served in clear glasses to display its golden effervescence, making it a staple at grand celebrations. 😉🎊

11/07/2023

Time to elevate your meal with Quinta de Santiago Alvarinho! 🥂

The lively freshness and distinct minerality of this wine make it a versatile companion. Whether you're enjoying an appetizer, savoring seafood, indulging in Asian cuisine, or relishing white meats and cheeses - this Alvarinho has got you covered.

Let your palate experience this delightful pairing! 😋

10/07/2023

Wine chaptalization, named after Jean-Antoine Chaptal, involves the addition of sugar to grape must (juice) before or during alcoholic fermentation. This technique is usually employed when grapes do not naturally produce enough sugar for a balanced wine. In regions with adverse climatic conditions, like extreme cold or high rainfall, sugar levels in grapes can be low, resulting in lower alcohol levels in wine. Since many regions have legal requirements for a minimum alcohol content, chaptalization is utilized to correct sugar levels, not for sweetness, but for balancing alcohol, tannin, and taste.

The main goal of chaptalization is to boost the alcohol content of wines by taking advantage of the fermentation process where yeasts convert sugar into alcohol. Consequently, low sugar content results in less alcohol, affecting the structure of the drink. This process is extensively used in red wines to achieve a more balanced taste.

The use of chaptalization is debated among winemakers, with critics suggesting it is a strategy to compensate for low-quality grapes. However, in scenarios where weather conditions adversely affect crop quality, interventions like chaptalization are needed to maintain the quality of the end product.

While chaptalization can cause disagreements within the industry, it's agreed that certain techniques may be necessary during wine production to maintain the quality of the end product. Such processes should always respect the regional laws and limits. 😉🍷

09/07/2023

How to recognize an Alvarinho? 🤔

Whether lovers, experts, connoisseurs or just beginners, Alvarinho usually meets unanimity in its characterization and appreciation. With an intense straw color, and citrus reflections, Alvarinho presents an intense aroma, distinct and complex, ranging from quince, peach, banana, lemon, passion fruit and lychee (fruity character), to orange blossom and violet (floral character), hazelnut and walnut (almond character) and honey (caramel character).

A grape variety that tends towards balance gives rise to a complex, smooth, round harmonious, full-bodied, and persistent flavor, with mineral notes that contribute to its freshness, which is undoubtedly one of its star characteristics. A Vinho Verde perfect in all seasons. 🤩🥂

08/07/2023

Stepping into Portugal's Minho region feels like stepping into a living painting. From the blue of the rivers, telling tales as old as time, to the captivating greenery of the slopes, hills, and terraces—it's a harmonious dance between the earth, sky, and sea. 🍃 🌊

This natural haven is the birthplace of the Alvarinho grape, considered the noblest of all white grape varieties. It thrives in its full glory in the Monção & Melgaço sub-region, the northernmost of the 9 sub-regions of the Vinho Verde region.

Referred to as 'nectar of the Gods', Alvarinho wines from Monção & Melgaço have gained significant prestige over the years, thanks to their exceptional quality. Can you think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate a chilled glass of Alvarinho? 🤩🥂