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Spain & Portugal 2023
  • Moosecorn

Spain & Portugal 2023

A 13-day adventure by Moosecorn Read more
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  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 2

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    》Fonte dos Leões (The Lions Fountain)

    A 19th-century fountain built by French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l'Etranger, in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória in municipality of Porto. Cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, it is a copy, in most part, of the fountain in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England.

    A competition was held in 1880, by the municipal water authority of Porto, under the direction of António Pinto de Magalhães (then president of Câmara Municipal of Porto). This resulted in an 1882 contract with the only submeter, the Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l'Etranger. A decree was issued on 17 July 1882, which approved the provisional contract, which was promulgated on 27 July.

    General works commenced in 1883. The municipal commission initially rejected the design and it was only in 1885 that they finally approved the one supplied by Carlos de Pezerat. Construction began on 25 September, and the water began to flow on 19 December 1886. By 1 January 1887, the public water supply project for the city of Porto was concluded.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 3

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    》Livraria Lello (The Famous ‘Harry Potter’ Bookstore)

    Considered the third most beautiful library in the world. The store has an excellent neo-gothic façade, where you can see two figures painted by José Bielman, representing the Science and the Art. This facade is only surpassed by its stunning interior, designed by Xavier Esteves.

    The building was inaugurated on January 13th, 1906, in an important social event for both Portuguese and Brazilian societies, attended by famous people from different spheres – among them Guerra Junqueiro, a renowned Portuguese writer.

    As you walk through the doors of this bookstore you’ll notice that there is a marvelous stairway and the wooden walls are also very exquisite. The stained glass ceiling adds an amazing detail with Lello’s motto “vecus in labore”.

    Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter has begun in Porto, particularly at this library. The well-known writer lived in Porto for 10 years working as an English teacher in the early 1990s and she used to drink a cup of coffee at the second floor of Lello’s bookstore. There are indeed great similarities between Lello’s bookstore staircase and the one described in Hogwarts.

    It is also believed that the Hogwarts’ costume was inspired by the costumes of college students in Portugal, composed of a black suit and a black coat – these students are very likely to be found around this area, as the headquarters of the Porto University are located at Praça Gomes Teixeira (up ahead, where you can find a Lion’s fountain, hence the nickname “Praça dos Leões” – Lions’ Square, as the locals call it).    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 4

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    》Jardím das Oliveiras (Olive Garden)

    The name says it all: A garden full of olive trees awaits you for a great break and much more in the middle of the city.

    Jardím das Oliveiras can be translated literally into “The garden of the olive trees”. Up to 50 olive trees have been planted across this rooftop park. Most of them can be found in the public area. Thus, you can chill or picnic in their shades, cuddle with them or whatever you’re up to. The two trees at the entrance (by the statue) are both over 450 years old!!

    There’s also a cool bar playing great music and offering additional place on the rooftop park called Base.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler
    450-year old olive tree

    Break time at Base

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    》Cuba Libre

    》Whether you walked your ass off through Porto or the stairways of Torre dos Clérigos, you deserve a great break full of good vibes and a drink.

    Thankfully, there is an amazing open-air bar called “Base”, located right on the rooftop park in Jardím das Oliveiras.

    Drink-wise you get everything from ice-cold Super Bock beer to long drinks and more.

    At night, the bar turns on the lights, while DJs start to play their sets for an unforgettable journey in the vibrant epicentre of Porto.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 5

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Torre dos Clérigos

    Still standing tall on Porto's skyline is the iconic Baroque bell tower and church of Clerigos. Rising over 75 metres from its already elevated position this slender granite tower was the tallest building in Porto when it was built in 1763. In fact it was not until 1999 that this was surpassed with the construction of the Hotel Vila Galé Porto.

    Given that you can see Torre dos Clérigos from most of the city it shouldn't surprise you that the views from the top are quite impressive. Of course you have to climb the 225 steps which wind their way up the inside of the tower first.

    The tower was designed by one of the period's most eminent architect, 
    Nicolau Nasoni, whose Baroque masterpieces can be seen throughout Porto and Northern Portugal. Initially the plan was for two towers but to reduce costs only the one was built, but possibly in grander style.

    Set over 6 levels, Clerigos Tower is home to two belfries and a carillon of 49 bells. It is worth noting that these bells are still in use so it can get quite loud if you happen to be in the tower on the hour.

    The most notable feature on the exterior of the tower is the statue of St Paul in the niche above the doorway. This was the last thing to be added to the building, along with the iron cross on the top.

    Some of the finest Baroque flourishes can be seen on the crown of the tower which includes the stone balcony around the observation deck. From here you can take in uninterrupted, panoramic views of the entire city.

    The Torre dos Clérigos was actually the final part of a three stage construction. Commissioned by the 'Brotherhood of the Clergy' there is an associated church and the 'Brotherhood House'. In the 17th and 18th century Portugal had many clergymen and the aim of the Brotherhood was to help them in poverty, sickness and death. Having operated out of a smaller church for many years it was decided a purpose-built facility was needed. Whilst the land that was offered to the Brotherhood was donated it was on the slopes of what was then known as the "hill of the hanged men". Not only did this present some architectural challenges but there was some stigma attached to the site as it was where executed prisoners were buried.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 6

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Porto São Bento

    Porto's São Bento Train Station is without a doubt the most visually appealing Train Station in Porto – if not in Portugal, and certainly one of the most beautiful in the world.

    Upon entering the São Bento Station you find a hall decorated with the impressive sum of twenty thousand tiles.

    Each one is hand-illustrated with scenes of important moments in Portuguese history, such as the battle of Valdevez, the conquest of Ceuta in 1415 or the visit of King John I with his wife Felipa of Lancaster to Porto.

    The building is made of granite and was created by the architect José Marques da Silva. The tiles are the work of the artist Jorge Colaço.

    The first train arrived at this site in 1896, when the building wasn’t even finished. It was officially inaugurated in 1916, but its tiles were manufactured as early as 1905.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 6

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    》Azulejos

    Images of Portugal often include the colorful glazed tiles found throughout the country. Azulejos, as these tiles are called, have been prominent in Portugal since the 1700s. Their inspiration came from the Moorish influence of invaders in Spain and Portugal as early as the 13th century. 

    The word azulejo comes from Arabic, meaning “little polished stone.” Appearing on the exteriors and interiors of structures like churches, markets, train stations, and government buildings, they carry with them a meaningful history and deep connection to the Portuguese identity. Over the centuries, azulejos have evolved and spread so that an infinite variety can be found all over the country.

    King Manuel I, known as “the Fortunate,” ruled over great expansion and formation of the Portuguese Empire. When he visited Granada, Spain and saw the stunning Alhambra palace with its colorful tiles, he brought back the idea of using tiles to embellish empty walls in Portuguese architecture. The tiles of this time were simple geometric shapes in accordance with religious law, but as they grew in popularity and laws changed, so did the azulejos.

    As time marched on, the azulejos evolved. In the 17th century, azulejo designs were influenced by the famous blue-and-white tiles of Delft in the Netherlands. The Portuguese elite loved the blue and white tiles and bought them from Amsterdam until King Pedro III of Portugal put a halt on the imports. He wanted Portugal to produce azulejos in the country and so began the domestic production of Portuguese azulejos.

    The 18th century was a golden age for the mass production of azulejos in Portugal. The Portuguese, known for telling stories, used the tiles as a way to create public artworks that were not only beautiful but also communicated everything from history to culture. Tiles included depictions of nature and scenes of human life, and ultimately became more colorful and immensely popular. Entire ceilings and walls have been assembled to impart history and tell tales.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 7

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    》Sé do Porto aka Porto Cathedral

    The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is the most important religious edifice in the city and has been declared a National Monument. It is situated in the upper part of Porto.

    The Cathedral is in Batalha, very close to the walls that once protected the city. The building looks a bit like a fortress with crenels from the outside.

    The construction of the Cathedral began during the 12th century, but it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries. This explains why the Cathedral is a mix of architectural styles. The temple is predominantly Baroque in style, although its façade and the nave are Romanesque and its cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style.

    The Romanesque and early Gothic Church of São Martinho de Cedofeita, notable for the curiously carved capitals of its pillars, occupies the site of a church said to have been built by Theodomir, king of the Visigoths, in 559 to receive relics of St. Martin from France. Also notable are the Torre dos Clérigos, an 18th-century granite tower, 246 feet (75 metres) high; the Gothic Church of São Francisco (from 1410); and the stock exchange, with its ornately designed Salão Arabe (“Arabic Hall”; 19th century).    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Stop 8

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    》Porto Ribeira

    Ribeira is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Porto. It is one of the most authentic and picturesque parts of the city in the heart of the old town. As its name suggests, the district is situated on the riverbank (Ribeira in Portuguese stems from the word river).

    Its colourful and wonderfully decorated façades are noteworthy and you’ll find that both the quaint terraced houses on the waterfront that reflect on the Douro River (which you can get a better view from Gaia) and the rest of the buildings further up in the little winding streets are equally pleasant.

    This part of town becomes alive at nighttime and is the perfect place to spend your evenings. Ribeira is full of traditional restaurants with lively terraces where you can savour some of Portugal’s delicious typical dishes while you enjoy views over Dom Luís I Bridge and Vila Nova da Gaia with its cellars lit up.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Random walking

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Igreja dos Clérigos

    The 'Church of the Clergy' is an fine Baroque building in its own right. Built in 1750 and taking almost twenty years it precedes the tower by over ten years. Beyond its imposing granite facade and staircase the most notable feature of the church is its oval-shaped plan, the first church in Portugal to have such a design.

    The fine Rococo marble interior has a light and airy feel in contrast to many of Porto's other churches. The standout features are the domed ceiling with the coat of arms of the Brotherhood of the Clerics and the pair of Iberian organs which flank the main altar.

    After committing over three decades of his life to this project, and making Porto his home, it seems fitting that architect Nicolau Nasoni should be buried here. Up until very recently it was only a legend that Nasoni was buried in Clerigos but in 2015, during renovation works, a crypt containing his tomb was discovered under the main altar.

    》Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados

    In English this means the Church of St Anthony's Congregation. It is attractively decorated with blue and white tiles and can be found just north of the main Porto Sao Bento Railway Station. It is more like a chapel than a traditional church.

    St Anthony was born in Lisbon at the end of the 12th century in a house near Lisbon cathedral. He was baptised with the name of Fernando Martins de Bulhoes. He became a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan order and became famous for his knowledge of the Bible and forceful preaching. He is the patron saint the finding things or people that are lost.

    Around 1210, he joined, as a novice monk, the religious monastic order of the Canons Regular at the Augustinian Abbey of Saint Vincent on the outskirts of Lisbon. He came from a wealthy and noble family who often came to visit him at the Abbey. He was very conscientious about studies and found these visits a distraction. He requested to be moved to the monastery of Santa Cruz de Coimbra, which was an important mediaeval and ecclesiastical cultural centre at that time where he studied Latin, Canon law, philosophy and theology.

    During the occasion of an ordination in 1222 Fernando was called upon to give a sermon to his fellow Franciscan monks and visiting Dominican Friars. It created a deep impression on everyone present. His skill was recognised and he went on to became a renowned preacher and teacher of Scripture. He soon came to the attention of the founder of the Franciscan order Francis of Assisi and Pope Gregory IX. He died young age 35. He was canonised quickly by the Pope because of his special preaching and teaching ability and dedication to the church.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Random Walking

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Vestir Bem e Barato Só Aqui

    Rua das Flores is possibly Porto’s most famous street and at the top of the street, a sign on a narrow five-storey building tells you that you can ‘Vestir Bem E Barato Só Aqui’ (dress well and cheaply here).

    》Statue of Vímara Peres

    Vimara Peres (820-873) was a Galician duke of the 9th century in west Iberia. He was a vassal of the king of Asturias, Léon and Galicia,Alfonso III, and was sent to reconquer and secure from the Moors the area from the Minho River to the Douro River, including the city of Portus Cale, later Porto and Gaia, from where the name of Portugal emerged. In 868 count Vímara Peres was named Count of Portugal, after the reconquest of the region north of the Douro river. Portuguese historians view this event as the earliest milestone in the history of the state of Portugal, although Portugal did not achieve independence until the 12th century.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Porto Scavenger Hunt - Random Walking

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Bombi Tunnel

    》"Ribeira Negra" panel by Júlio Resende

    "Ribeira Negra" is considered the best portuguese contemporary ceramic panel, recreating the atmosphere of the Ribeira district, one of the most emblematic places of the city of Porto.

    This remarkable work of art with 40 meters long by 4.8 meters tall, challenged the artist (who at age of 70 has not abdicated to paint and write with is own hands), is strategically placed near the bottom plate of the D. Luiz bridge.

    》Monumento ao Duque da Ribeira

    If you stroll through the Ribeira area, which you will have to do if you come to Porto, it is very likely that you will cross the statue in honor of Deocleciano Monteiro (exact location is at Rua Cimo do Muro, 12, next to Ponte D . Luís).

    If the name tells you absolutely nothing, don’t worry! The same will happen to most people from Porto! But almost everyone will be able to tell you who the “Duque da Ribeira” was, a name by which he has always been and become known. In fact, it is the tradition that it was the mother herself who, in view of the difficulty in pronouncing the name Deocleciano, treated him as “Duke.

    Born in Porto on March 24, 1902 and died on November 9, 1996, the Duke was born and always lived in Ribeira, until his death, being an inseparable and absolutely charismatic figure throughout the twentieth century.
    At only 11 years old, he saved a person from drowning in the river. Since then, this heroic brand has never left him, despite his modesty and extreme humility.

    The Duke grew up by the river, where all his life he was a boatman. He knew the Douro, its waters, its currents, its life, like no one else! This, coupled with his courage and physical agility and the fact that he is an excellent swimmer, has allowed him throughout his life to save many people from drowning in the sometimes treacherous waters of the river and in other cases from rescue the bodies of those who lost their lives there. Hundreds of people owe their lives – literally – to Duque da Ribeira!
    He was also responsible for teaching many children from Ribeira to swim!
    Docker, sailor and even actor, the Duke’s popularity was immense!    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    A job well done means a Dick Waffle

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》We earned this after our scavenger hunt!!

    》Pirocaria

    We had fresh-made piroffles...white & milk chocolate for me and Nutella & white chocolate with Oreo crumbles for Patty.

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    The newest adventure...

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    》1st use of a bidet

    A bidet is a specialized bathroom fixture for washing your undercarriage. It's the primary way that many people around the world clean themselves up after using the toilet. Modern bidets spray a targeted stream of water exactly where you need it, cleaning up even your worst messes gently and easily.Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Dinner at Restaurante LSD

    September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    》“Tits up!” is the new “say cheese!”

    》Caipiroska

    》Peito de frango do campo
    Free range chicken breast with creamy lemon dressing, toasted lettuce, almond rice and cranberries

    》Parfait de chocolate
    Chocolate Parfait with hot salted caramel and cream ice cream    Read more

    See translation
  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Morning Shopping & Lunch at Mercearia

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    》Brás de Alheria

    Typical Portuguese sausage sautéed in olive oil, garlic and onion then wrapped in eggs and fries.

    ^Alheira is a type of Portuguese sausage, made with meats (usually pork, veal, duck, chicken, quail or rabbit) and bread. Beef, poultry, bread, olive oil, lard, garlic and paprika.Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Boat ride on the Douro

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    》6 Bridges of Porto

    Porto presently has six bridges across the River Douro whereas the capital, Lisbon, has just two spanning the River Tagus - the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge) and the massive Vasco da Gama Bridge.

    The most famous of Porto's bridges is the historic Ponte Dom Luís I but the other five also have their history and charms.

    They are from east to west the Ponte do Freixo, the Ponte de São João Bridge, the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, the Ponte do Infante and the Ponte da Arrábida.

    ^The Ponte Dom Luís I lies between the modern Ponte da Arrábida and the Ponte do Infante.

    ^Ponte Maria Pia
    Téophile Seyrig also built the similar looking Ponte Maria Pia, a kilometer to the east. It is a former iron railway bridge built in 1877 but is no longer used as such. The bridge is 353 meters long and 60 meters above the river. It is the oldest of Porto's six bridges and was named after the Portuguese queen at the time.

    ^Ponte de São João
    The Ponte de São João replaced the Ponte Maria Pia to carry the railway across the River Douro. It was designed by Portuguese architect and engineer Edgar Cardoso (1913-2000) and built in prestressed concrete between 1984 and 1991. The bridge has a total span of 250 meters across the river and is 66 meters above the water.

    ^Ponte da Arrábida
    The Ponte da Arrábida was also designed by Edgar Cardoso. When it opened in 1963 it had the longest arch of any concrete bridge in the world at 270 meters. A road bridge with six lanes, it is the nearest bridge to the mouth of the River Douro and the Atlantic Ocean. It rises 70 meters above the river.
    The Arrábida Bridge is convenient for reaching the pleasant district of Afurada and its traditional seafood restaurants on the south bank.

    ^Ponte do Freixo
    The sleek Ponte do Freixo is 705 meters in length and 30 meters above the river. Completed in 1995 the road bridge has 8 spans and was designed by António Reis and Daniel de Sousa.

    ^Ponte do Infante
    The Ponte do Infante (Ponte Infante Dom Henrique) is the most recent bridge across the River Douro. It is 371 meters in total length, the arch spans 280 meters and is 75 meters above the water. Completed in 2003 the reinforced concrete bridge carries both vehicles and pedestrians. The arch is one of the shallowest in the world just 25 meters above its foundations. The architect was Adão da Fonseca.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Boat ride on the Douro

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    》Alfândega Congress Centre

    A unique place, Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto is one of the largest congress centres in Portugal. It is the ideal place for business, scientific, cultural and commercial events.

    A former-customshouse, the building is located in the historic centre of the city, along the bank of the Douro River, and was renovated under the direction of the Pritzker-awarded architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. It is part of the Museum of Transport and Communication, founded on 21 February 1992.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Boat ride on the Douro

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    》Igreja do Corpo Santo de Massarelos (Church of the Holy Body of Massarelos)

    Rising above the riverfront with a facade adorned in blue-and-white azulejos (hand-painted tiles), this church was built in 1776 on the site of a chapel that was founded by the Confraria das Almas do Corpo Santo de Massarelos in 1394.

    The church belongs to the Congregation of Corpus Christi Souls. This order has existed in Porto since the end of the 14th century and was founded by sailors who miraculously survived the storm at sea and sailed safely to the port. Its member was Prince Henry the Navigator, whose image appears on the tiled panel.

    》Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

    The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a former monastery located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto. The monastery is situated on an outcrop overlooking the Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic centre of Porto. Together with these locations, the monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The monastery is notable for its church and cloister, both of which are circular.

    Construction of the first monastery at the site began in 1538 by the Order of St. Augustine. The initiative dates back to 1527 under the orders of João III to serve as a larger monastic residence for monks from the Monastery of Grijó, in Grijó, which had been in a state of deterioration. The original monastery was completed in 1564 and the cloisters were finished in 1583. The first monastery was quickly rendered obsolete as the facilities were too small for the number of monks in residence. In 1597, work began on the new church and the monastery was slowly updated in phases over the next several decades. The new circular church was inaugurated on July 17, 1672, and the final phases of the monastery were completed by the end of the 17th century.

    Serra do Pilar's military importance first became evidenced during the Peninsular War when it was used by General Arthur Wellesley to launch a surprise attack on the French across the Douro, and retake Porto. The monastery's prominent location acted as the only Liberal stronghold on the south side of the Douro during the Siege of Porto. The monastery was fortified over the course of the 19th century to take advantage of its strategic location. In 1910 the site was declared a National Monument of Portugal. Reconstruction of portions of the monastery that had been destroyed by successive wars began in 1927. In 1947 some of the monastery grounds were converted into a military barracks which remains on the site to this day.

    》Gaia Cable Cars

    To get one of the most complete and impressive panoramas of Porto you will have to take a tram ride. It is only 5 minutes to reach the Pier of the City of Gaia, at 300 meters of altitude. On the way there, you can contemplate the historic area of ​​Porto, the roofs of the cellars of Gaia, the Ribeira, the Clérigos and the Douro in all their splendor.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Ponte Dom Luís I Bridge

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    》The Ponte Dom Luís I 

    A true icon of the city of Porto and a marvel of 19th century engineering provides wonderful views over the skyline of Porto.

    The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the River Douro between Porto on the north bank and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.

    Designed by German architect, Téophile Seyrig (1843-1923), a disciple and business partner of French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), the Ponte Dom Luís I had the longest span of any metal bridge in the world when it was completed in 1886.

    Originally meant for road traffic, now the upper span carries Line D of the Porto metro and a pedestrian walkway, while the lower deck is for road traffic and pedestrians with no fear of vertigo.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Port Tour in Villa Nova de Gaia

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    》Across the Duoro River

    》David was our excellent guide

    》Port, also called Porto, specifically, a sweet, fortified, usually red wine of considerable renown from the Douro region of northern Portugal, named for the town of Oporto where it is aged and bottled; also, any of several similar fortified wines produced elsewhere. The region of true port production is strictly delimited by Portuguese law. The soil and grapes, and the skill of Oporto vintners in blending, produce wines of remarkable character, with types running through a series of flavours. Vintage port, the finest, is not blended; but harvests deemed worthy to produce it are rare. The full richness of the port taste is found in dark vintage and vintage character ports; these types are taken from the cask after two or three years and complete their aging in the bottle. Vintage character port is a blend of best wines, sometimes called crusted port because, as with vintage port, it forms a crust within the bottle. Ruby port is a blend of younger wines. Tawny port is blended and matures in cask, changing its colour.

    Peculiar to the vinification of port is a large dosage of brandy given to the still fermenting must, by which the character of the wine is greatly changed. Port will not spoil due to the fortification with Brandy. Much time is needed for the maturing of ports; in 1950, for example, 1912 port was still excellent. There is some white port, made solely from white grapes and can be found in dry, off-dry and sweet styles. It’s often used in Portugal in a popular cocktail, the Porto Tonico.

    》#1 Dry White - Kopke

    White port is gaining popularity and with good reason. They combine the perfect balance between richness, sweetness, fruitiness, and freshness, which make them ideal as a chilled aperitif or served with tonic. Kopke excel at white port: fresh aromas of apples, pears, and white flowers, with more mature slightly oxidative aromas of roasted almonds and cooked apples. Creamy on the palate, with a tannic grape skin edge, a little sugar, and a lingering spicy finish.

    Pairings:
    Any dessert, especially the ones made with tropical fruit, such as mango and papaya.

    ^Kopke wines are the oldest Port Wine House, renowned all over the world for their extraordinary award-winning quality.

    》#2 Tawny Port 10 year - Burmester aka "Christmas in a bottle"

    A vivid golden-brown colour. The aromas of ripe fruit are abundant on the nose, with appealing notes of vanilla. On the palate it is delightfully fresh with a marked fruity character. Velvety, round and remarkably engaging.

    Pairings:
    Camembert Cheese
    Caramel Desserts
    Dried Fruits

    ^Burmester have been making Ports since 1750 and have a reputation for quality and value.

    》#3 Ruby 2018 LBV - Kopke

    Aged in oak casks before bottling, this is a young, fruity port with a vibrant, sweet feel. This crowd-pleaser features plum and bright cherry flavors. The palate is smooth and balanced.

    Pairings:
    A cheeseboard
    Chocolate dessert
    Full flavoured cheeses such as a good farmhouse Cheddar or Red Leicester.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Port Tour in Villa Nova de Gaia

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    》#4 Rosé

    Quevedo Tasting Room

    It doesn’t matter how good you work the grapes at the winery unless the origin of the grapes is the best. The most important legacy that we received from our ancestors was the learning that wine is made in the vineyard. For this reason, we cultivate 100 hectares of vineyards, plus 25 hectares of organic olive groves, across five properties in the Douro valley, from the sub-regions of Cima Corgo. This diversity provides grapes of varying aromas and flavors that help us craft distinct wines and make some exciting experiences along the way.

    Rosé ports are lighter than ruby ports but still strong in fruit flavors.

    It is salmon color with a very inviting nose with aromas of field strawberries and watermelon and fresh. Easy and light on the palate, yet having that classic velvety Port texture. This Port is fun to drink and has serious and pure aromas of young red fruits and tropical fruits. Perfect for hot summer days or in cocktails.

    Pairings:
    Strawberries
    Food from around the world - Pork dumplings, curry noodles, sushi and samosas 
    Classic desserts: sour cherry pie and chocolate ganache truffles
    A stinky blue cheese

    ^Port Rosé Tonico

     2 oz Port Rosé
    1 oz quality gin
    1/4th cup raspberries
    mint leaves
    3/4th cup tonic water
    squeeze of lemon
    frozen wine glasses
    sugar and salt

     Muddle raspberries, mint leaves and lemon juice in a glass
    Dust glass rims with salt and sugar
    Strain into frozen wine glasses with a couple of ice cubes
    Add gin and Porto Rosé and stir
    Fill glass to top with tonic water
    Garnish with lemon wedge

    》Port Tongs

    With an adjustable grip these tongs will open nearly any size bottle of Port or Wine, easily and quickly.

    Simply heat them for 1-2 minutes from a gas stove top, a fire, or a bbq and grip the neck of the bottle you wish to open from a point below the cork. After about 15 seconds release the tongs and place in a bowl of cold water. Apply a cloth soaked in cold water to the neck of the bottle for a few seconds and when you remove it the neck should separate cleanly.    Read more

  • MoosecornSpain & Portugal 2023Traveler

    Port Tour in Villa Nova de Gaia

    September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    》#5 White
    》#6 Tawney Reserve
    》#7 LBV 2019

    Vasques de Carvalho

    In the summer of 2018 this company opened a very beautiful lodge in Gaia – the wine isn’t aging here, you will not find any barrels… so therefore it might make more sense to call it a sales shop.

    The lodge of Vasques de Carvalho is located in the total center of Gaia – but somehow it is just a few meters off the usual way that tourists take when they discover Gaia.

    You will find some wine from 1880 in the 40 year old Port! It’s only a little bit that finds its way into the 40 year old Tawny – but that is what makes so much difference.

    ^Vasques de Carvalho 20 years White Port: On the nose, it immediately shows all its seduction with notes of honey, dried fruits and spices. In the mouth it is powerful and reveals great greasiness and elegance. Some vanilla, good quality wood and liquorice are supported by firm acidity and good structure. The finish is long and sweet.

    Pairings:
    Fish - smoked salmon, shellfish, and sushi
    Alongside a tray of Gruyere, olives, and charcuterie
    Fresh fruit themes: angel cake with strawberries, lemon meringue, peaches in cream, or white chocolate covered strawberries

    ^Vasques de Carvalho 40 years Tawny Port: Amber colour with golden and greenish notes. Caramel and honey aromas. The presence of dried fruit and some iodine, is surrounded by a slight "vinagrinho" so typical of the old Tawny. The palate is elegant, but powerful and intense at the same time. It is a wine that presents an extraordinary bouquet, which embodies the grandeur of the great Port wines aged for decades in cask. Spices, roasted coffee, fine wood and elegant, the velvety honey and caramel, make this wine an authentic experience for the senses.

    Pairings:
    All sorts of nutty delights - pecan pie, almond biscotti, or regionally-inspired Portuguese salted almond cake Classic desserts - Caramel covered cheesecake, German Chocolate Cake, cinnamon-crusted apple pie, crème brûlée, and coconut cream pie
    Cheeses - Smoked cheddar, Pecorino, and aged Manchego

    ^Vasques de Carvalho LBV Port 2019:
    Vinho Grandes Escolhas - Very dark and deep red colour. Intense and powerful both in fragrance and taste. Soft and round tannins.

    Pairings:
    Cheeses - Aged Parmesan and the classic Stilton
    All things chocolate - German chocolate cake, homemade chocolate sauce, molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate bread pudding    Read more

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