Wines of Portugal Sommelier Wine Quest 2015: the results

I spent yesterday judging Wines of Portugal’s Sommelier Wine Quest 2015.  The wines selected by winner Christophe Richelet of Taberna do Mercado and runner up Maggie Mak of Gordon Ramsey at Maze could not have tickled my palate more – four highly individual wines which epitomised what makes the Portuguese wine scene so special.

Here are the candidates each pictured with the two wines they chose to present having visited Portugal.  All smiles despite having just completed an ‘obstacle course’ of written, practical and tasting tests!

Donald Edwards showed Quinta de Raza  Dom Diego Avesso 2014 from Vinho Verde and a wonderfully mature 1997 vintage of Ramos Pinto Duas Quinta Reserve from the Douro Superior.

The Ritz’s Jonathan Kleeman singled out two single varietal wines – Monte da Ravasqueira Alvarinho 2013 from Alentejo and Casa Ermelinda Freitas Quinta da Mimosa Castelão 2012 from Palmela.

Nicola Perrone from Gordon Ramsey at Maze plumped for Quinta do Santiago Alvarinho 2013 from Monção e Melgaço, Vinho Verde followed by Quinta dos Roques Tinto 2012 from the Dão.

Ben van de Meutter from Butlers Wharf Chop House chose Casal Santa Maria Arinto 2013 from Lisboa and Paulo Laureano Premium Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2013 from Vidigueira, Alentejo.

Guillaume Mahaut of The ETM Group selected Quinta de Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho 2014 from Monção e Melgaço, Vinho Verde and Quinta do Crasto Superior 2011 from the Douro.

Runner up Maze’s Maggie Mak showed Horácio Simões Vinho Val dos Alhos Branco Boal 2014 from Palmela and Paulo Laureano Selection Tinta Grossa 2011 from Vidigueira, Alentejo.

Study pays! Mak picked up a cheque for £500.

Last but by no means least, winner Christophe Richelet of Taberna do Mercado presented Susana Esteban Procura White 2013 from Portalegre, Alentejo followed by Casal Santa Maria Colares Ramisco 2006 from Colares. Playing sommelier and chef/patron of “Casa Cristóvão,” here’s the menu which helped Richelet on his way to winning £2,000.