The Event: Welcome to a World of Difference: wines of Portugal grand tasting Toronto April 11, 2018

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 11, 2018  1PM to 4PM

The Event: Welcome to a World of Difference: wines of Portugal grand tasting Toronto

The Venue: Globe and Mail Centre 17th floor

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was quite similar to others from the past, with info about grape varieties in each bottle. But agents were not noted, nor were there any notes on availability. The tables were roughly in alphabetical order, so that was a help. We were all given bracelets whoch could be used to get additional information. Some us BEGGED for the printed version of the catalogue so that we may have something to write on. I explained that I was a writer and I needed that crutch in  order to ask relevant questions (e.g., availability and price).

The Quote/Background: Once again, only a handful of agents were smart enough to have a sheet of paper with prices and availability. Kudos to them. That of Airen Imports was a model of conciseness. How much does paper cost?

The Wines: I only tried some of the wines and ports. Prices and agents are generally missing, sorry. I had stupidly thought that my bracelet would give me the name of the agent and prices by email. It did not. Marketing here was not very helpful.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Ramos Pinto Porto 30 Years old vines

-Esporao Branco Reserva 2016 $26   FWP

-Messias Brut Milesime 2013  $25   Signature

-Quinta da Devesa Porto 40+ Anos 

-Quinta da Lapa Espumante Brut Nature Reserva 2014 $28.95  Wine Moves

-Quinta da Lapa Reserva 2012 $29.95  Wine Moves

-Quinta da Lapa Reserva Homenagem 2014 Tejo $42.95  Wine Moves

-Quinta das Apegadas Velha Grande Reserva 2013 $55

-Sandeman Porto Tawny 30 Years Old  

-Quintela Branco 2016 +463900  $13.35

-Piano Grande Reserve Red $39.95  Private order Airen

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Piano Red 2016 $13.80 Private order Airen

-Piano Reserve Red $20.35  Private order Airen

-Porto Ferreira Duque de Braganca Tawny 20 year old

-Messias 10 Anos Signature

-Campolargo Espumante Bruto 2014

-Campolargo Espumante Bruto Rose 2014

-Casa Santons Lima Al-Ria 2016 $15.95 Majestic

-Casa Santons Lima Entre Nos 2015 $22 Majestic

-Casa Santons Lima Parcelas 2015 $14.95 Majestic

-Casa Santons Lima Colossal Reserva 2015 $15.95 Majestic

-Caves da Montanha Premium Reserva Brut 2012 2.9E Ex-Ce

-Caves da Montanha Love Pink Brut 3.1E Ex-Ce

-Caves da Montanha Premium Reserva Brut 2012 2.9E Ex-Ce

-Caves da Montanha Superior Brut 2.55E Ex-Ce

-Esporao Monte Velho 2017 $14  FWP

-Esporao Assobio Branco 2017 $17 FWP

-Global Wines Cabriz Espumante Bruto 2014

-Sobroso Barrique Select 2017

-Casa Amarela Reserva Branco 2016  $25

-Casa Amarela Il Terroir Branco 2016  $25

-Quinta da Lapa Selection Branco 2017 $12  Wine Moves

-Quinta da Lapa Nana Branco 2017 $15.95  Wine Moves

-Quinta da Lapa Branco Reserva 2016 $17.95  Wine Moves

 

The Food: charcuterie and cheese platters, croquettes, yummy custards for dessert.

The Downside: very difficult to get comprehensive catalogue information on availability, agency, and prices. I had wrongly assumed it would be captured via my bracelet.

The Upside: a great opportunity to see Toronto from the Globe Centre 17th floor.

The Contact Person: chloe.benayoun@sopexa.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 75

Chimo! www.deantudor.com