German Master of Wine in Portugal

The German master sommelier Hendrik Thoma came to Portugal to select the 50 best portuguese wines to sell in Germany.

Germany is on the 7 º place of export destination of portuguese wines and in 2 º when it comes to exporting still wines, with an overall market growth of 11.7 % in value. The three years goal for this market is to grow 14 % using an investment of 260 million euros.

Hendrik Thoma talked about portuguese wines
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The acclaimed wine critic, Henrick Thoma, explained his relationship with portuguese wine has almost 20 years and he has predicted the explosion of quality that happen within our wine market. "The Germans have a positive view of portuguese wines” explained the sommelier, “many of them come into contact with these wines on vacation, then come home and have difficulty finding them".

The expert revealed the secret of growing the portuguese wine market share in Germany: working that which differentiate us. We should implement the notion that the portuguese ​​grape varieties are diverse and unique and that they are USP - Unique Selling Product. As long as the portuguese wines maintain an “unique style” they have no direct competitors in the German market.

Hendrick Thoma points out as their favorite the Alentejo wines, although first known Douro wines and then the regions of Dão, Bairrada and Vinho Verde.

The wine reviewer believes that the way to convince major buyers and sommeliers Germans to put portuguese wines in their restaurants is to show them the portuguese cuisine accompanied by fine portuguese wines. Many of them are unaware of our national culture and products, so the answer is to educate them and to convey an image of credibility and the idea that one can believe in portuguese wine.

Dão’s wines best harvest is in the making

Dão's 2013 harvest is the best
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Everything has aligned for the 2013 crop of Dão wine’s. The climate variations which have surfaced over the past year in Portugal, may have resulted in the best crop of Dão wine of all time.

The producers of the region name the persistent rain as the main reason for the general disappointment that had settled between them, in the middle of the season.  José Perdigão, producer Quinta do Perdigão, said that the producers had to be strong to watch the rain menace their harvest.

Fortunately, near the end of the season there was a drastic change in the climate and it seems, now, that the year of 2013 will be the ideal year for this wines. For example, the white wines of Dão have an above-average quality due to the high level of alcohol which was caused by the temperature rise registered at the end of the harvest. This dehydrated grapes and concentrated alcohol, resulting in high colored and full-bodied wines.

The winery Quinta do Perdigão can be regarded as a reference for what will happen in the region. This house has experienced great success in Nordic countries and has been awarded a score of 90 points by the most influential critics so, it seems that this region will have a fantastic year.

The investment in equipment and training by small producers as well as by the cooperative association has indeed paid off.  Also, it has had a positive impact on exports numbers.  José Perdigão says Dão was never this competent or had so many reputable brands like nowadays. He believes that the key is to maintain the quality and don’t forget that this success comes only from hard work.