And the Portuguese Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2011 is…

I’m delighted to hear that Julia Harding MW (pictured) was last night announced as the Portuguese Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2011.    Harding told me “I am thrilled to bits about the award. I’m already fascinated by the range of Portuguese wines I have tasted and know there is so much more to discover about the wines and their makers and the country.”

 Harding, Jancis Robinson MW’s right hand woman, will select 50 Great Portuguese Wines 2012, which honour was mine in 2010 (see my choice here).  She is nothing if not a grape expert, so I can think of no-one better to shine a light on Portugal’s uniquely rich treasure trove of over 400 native grape varieties.  I look forward to her selection! 

And not forgetting of course that last year’s recipient of the award, Tom Cannavan of Wine Pages, has yet to reveal his 50 Great Portuguese Wines.  Cannavan’s selection will be unveiled to the press and trade on 6 and 8 June in London and Edinburgh respectively – click here for details.