"The wine we drunk!" Top 5 Page for this destination Madeira Island Travelogue by Jerelis

Madeira Island Travel Guide: 890 reviews and 1,799 photos

Mateus Vinho de Mesa 2002

Mateus Vinho de Mesa - 2002

When you think of the wines of Portugal, chances are that you will think of the world best known vintages dessert wine called port or the well known Madeira wine. But the climate of Portugal, especially in northern Portugal, is ideal for wine grapes as the region enjoys ample rain as well as the long bright and blazing summer heat.

We had this Mateus Vinho de Mesa at a restaurant in Santo da Serra and it took us some time to get this label off. But anyway...we were pleasantly surprised by the appealing easy drinking medium dry style with a light pritz and its light fruit flavours. The shape of the bottle is a bit different and can't fit into a conventional wine rack. But that doesn't matter; because it is not meant to be aged so don't plan on keeping it too long. Just put it in the fridge overnight and drink it!

Once we were back home we tried to find out where it's made, bottled and some other characteristics. The only thing we found was that this Mateus Vinho de Mesa rose is the leader in rose wines in Portugal. The grape varieties are unfamiliar and have names like Fernao Pires (white varietals), Baga and Touringa Nacionla (red varietals). This rose is traditionally blended from these different grapes.

Vinho de Mesa means table wine and these wines are unlikely to see abroad unless someone brings you back a bottle from their holiday.

The labels of all Portuguese wine are quite challenging to read. Here is some help:
* Vinha: vineyard
* Quinta: estate or farm
* Colheita: vintage
* De Mesa: table wine
* Garrafeira: cellar
* Branco: white
* Tinto: red
* Rosado: rose
* Seco: dry

Martinez Gassiot Fine Ruby Port

It seems that we’re going to make it a tradition to publish a port wine at the month of October. But to be honest, the evenings are getting darker much earlier. During these nights we love to read a good book and enjoy a good glass of port.

Martinez was founded in 1790 in London by D. Sebastian Gonzales Martinez, a Spaniard who sold cigars, cherry and Port. Jonh Peter Gassiot joined the firm in 1822 and the name of the firm became Martinez Gassiot. It was not until 1834 that the company took a lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia. For more than a century the house focused on bulk sales to clients in the U.K. who than bottled the wines under their own names.

Production of Martinez Vintage Port is very limited, with only about 3.000 cases made in a declaration. Martinez includes only one single quinta called Eira Velha, located west of Pinh Valley. Eira Velha encompasses about 120 acres, with a 65 under vine. We were lucky to be able to have this particular bottle, which was a gift from my father.

Martinez Gassiot goes almost unnoticed in the Vintage Port circles, but the house often makes outstanding Ports of which this port is a proof. This Fine Ruby is an excellent example of the most popular style of port, robust and with a youthful and velvety fruitness. It’s a very satisfying wine for leisurely enjoyement.

Page Written May 16, 2006
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Reviews (69)

Local Customs (7)
See All Talk to someone who knows!
Restaurants (5)
See All Pizza time!
Tourist Traps (12)
See All Monte - Toboggan ride.
Off The Beaten Path (11)
See All Santo Antonio da Serra - The weekly...
Sports & Outdoors (9)
See All Pico do Arieiro - Don't be afraid of...
Hotels (2)
See All Personal approach!

Warnings Or Dangers (4)
See All Do drink enough!!!
Transportation (6)
See All Take the bus.
Favorites (5)
See All Beautiful Steriliza Regina flower!
What to Pack (1)
Travel light!
Shopping (1)
Pico do Arieiro - Don't buy anything...
Things to Do (6)
See All Machico - Seaside historic town.

Comments (19)

PeterKnudsen Jan 16, 2010 at 5:11 AM Report Abuse

In the town square of Monte theit is a small turist shop/caffee. it is not interesting but go to the second floor, the "resturant" it is like time did not move the last 100year :)
breughel Sep 23, 2009 at 2:04 AM Report Abuse

Much liked your informative tips on Madeira which we visited many years ago. Is the landing at the airport still so acrobatic?
angiebabe Jun 22, 2008 at 3:41 PM Report Abuse

wow this place certainly shows how stunning it is in your display here! Great page.
nora_south_africa Apr 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM Report Abuse

looks like a nice place, when you go to a country where maybe you dont understand the language I have found useful tips to be a lifesaver...and yours are really good tips..
manuelEB Apr 18, 2007 at 6:53 PM Report Abuse

Had to go all through to find the Madeira. The drinkable one!!!
mvtouring Feb 8, 2007 at 9:20 PM Report Abuse

Wel gedaan. Very nice info here ;-)
Acirfa Jan 13, 2007 at 3:14 AM Report Abuse

It's many years since I visited Madeira but I recall it with the help of you pages as very lovely indeed, thank you.
pikuu Oct 3, 2006 at 3:03 AM Report Abuse

I visited charming Madeira places using among others your perfect descriptions. Many, Many Thanx!!
hunterV Apr 11, 2006 at 3:35 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Jeroen! You have provided a wonderful description of a splendid place for relaxation! Thanks a lot and - take care!~ Success with your travels 2006!
Cadans Nov 22, 2004 at 1:53 AM Report Abuse

Very nice detailed site about an islands that is on my "wish list"!