Category Archives: Wine

RKS Travel and Wine: TAP Portugal Airlines Has its 750 mL Wine Bottles Crying

I frequently give most European Airlines a pat on the back for serving wine in economy class from 750 mL bottles instead of those obnoxious mini plastic bottles which is all the more obnoxious in the case of Air Canada which adds insult to injury by serving French wine! A national carrier of Canada servingContinue reading “RKS Travel and Wine: TAP Portugal Airlines Has its 750 mL Wine Bottles Crying”

RKS 2023 Wine: An Arinto from Pico Island in the Azores

Being in Pico Island lately I was lodged at the Azores Wine Company’s winery. Hipster heaven! Modern showcase winery, tasting room, great views of vineyards, volcanic mountains and lots of staff sporting a multitude of tattoos. Rather an opposite of, pardon me, an authentic Pico Island Winery. At Azores Wine Company eating in the restaurant,Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: An Arinto from Pico Island in the Azores”

RKS 2023 Wine and Travel: Pico Islander’s Maxim “Plant Your Vines Where You Can Hear the Crabs Singing”

On Pico Island in the Portuguese Azores  there is an old maxim with grape producers, “Plant your vines where you hear the crabs singing.” Why? Pico Island is blessed with a temperate climate being an island in the Atlantic ocean benefitting from a maritime climate. But Pico Island is really a volcanic mountain itself. AndContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine and Travel: Pico Islander’s Maxim “Plant Your Vines Where You Can Hear the Crabs Singing””

RKS 2023 Wine: Agiorgitiko from Greece

Aroma: Blackberry, cassis, black cherry and blueberry in a somewhat stiff format. Palate: The tannins creep up on you with this wine. The fruit is there but wound up in a tight boundary giving the impression of either a young or stylistically austere wine. Almost a juicy streak of red cherries bubbling up threatening toContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Agiorgitiko from Greece”

RKS 2023 Wine: Azores Wine Company Arinto dos Açores 2018

The grapes for this wine were planted in cracks in a lava bed at the foot of a volcanic mountain. The vineyards are planted close to the ocean so you can hear the crabs sing. The vines are protected by lava rock walls known as currais. Aroma: A tad funky but not unappealingly so. NotesContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Azores Wine Company Arinto dos Açores 2018”

RKS 2023 Wine: Ilha do Pico Co-op Vitivinicola

The Ilha do Pico Co-op Vitivinicola was established in 1949 and has 250 associates with 51 local grape producers participating. It is the largest winery in the Portuguese Azores. 50% of its wines are consumed in the Azores and the rest exported to the United States, Canada and Europe. As any co-op purchasing grapes thereContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Ilha do Pico Co-op Vitivinicola”

RKS 2023 Travel and Wine: ,

Lucas Amaral may be the youngest winemaker in Portugal at least according to his proud mother Sandra. He started at 19 and now at 21 he is building up his profile. On my recent trip to Portugal a group of us had the opportunity to meet Lucas, have lunch and enjoy his wine. Lucas isContinue reading “RKS 2023 Travel and Wine: ,”

RKS 2023 Travel: One of Those Absolutely Memorable Evenings: Adega Czar in Pico Island in the Azores!

Matters were not proceeding particularly well for many in my group of 10 that were now sitting in Adega Czar at 9940-363 São Roque do Pico in the Azores Islands of Portugal. An aborted landing and mega delays to get to Pico Island. Late nights, early mornings and some 7 flights in 4 days. AndContinue reading “RKS 2023 Travel: One of Those Absolutely Memorable Evenings: Adega Czar in Pico Island in the Azores!”

RKS 2023 Wine: Villa Teresa Organic Prosecco

Prosecco with a crown cap and a swivel stopper. Retro cool! Organic too! Any good? Aroma: Simplistic right on green apple, Flemish pear, honey and pineapple. Palate: Much softer and fruitier than an equivalent priced Crémant. Less acids too! Personality: I am not in your face scouring your palate like a Brillo Pad. You couldContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Villa Teresa Organic Prosecco”

RKS 2023 Food: Sardine Rehab

On my trips to Porto you might say I mainline on the tasty grilled sardines served up at Alexandre Osorio’s Postigo do Carvão right by the river in the historic Ribeira District of Porto. I have been sardining there for years. I mean the starters are great, like the octopus salad and the cod fritters.Continue reading “RKS 2023 Food: Sardine Rehab”