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. 😉