The newest addition to the Port Wine Lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia is a very interesting one: Vasques de Carvalho. Even many Port Wine experts might have never heard about this name… it’s a relatively new company, but with an amazing old treasure: a lot of old tawnies.

In the summer of 2018 this company opened a very beautiful lodge in Gaia – the wine isn’t aging here, you will not find any barrels… so therefore it might make more sense to call it a sales shop. However, the word “lodge” sounds so much nicer and that’s why I am using it!  I like this new place for several reasons… one is for sure the quality of the wines . The other is that Gaia unfortunately tends to be on some days over-crowded with tourists. When you go to the large commercial lodges, you see masses of tourists… which kind of takes away a little bit of this magic feeling that the tasting of Port Wines should bring with it.

The lodge of Vasques de Carvalho is located in the total center of Gaia – but somehow it is just a few meters off the usual way that tourists take when they discover Gaia… and while this might be not so great for the owners (that of course want to sell as much wine as possible) it is good news for the people that are looking for a quiet oasis in the sometimes crazy world of Gaia where they can try peacefully some outstanding Port Wines.

The place isn’t large – but beautifully decorated. Three different lounge areas wait for visitors, one downstairs, one upstairs and one outside in a small patio.

While Douro Wine tastings are possible, for me the real strength of Vasques de Carvalho are the old Tawny Ports. Yes, they do produce a decent LBV and even solid Vintage Port – but there is a lot of competition for them. However, in the category of Tawnies with an indication of age they are just outstanding.

As I always say, when you find your way to Porto and Gaia and you go to a place for a tasting – pick the most expensive tasting. You don’t want to travel thousands of kilometers to drink bad or mediocre wines. You want to have an unforgettable experience instead. That’s why I suggest either to try the CENTURY offering (10, 20, 30 and 40 years old Tawnies), which costs EUR 45 in the autumn of 2018. Or, if you also want to get an understanding of the ruby Ports, take the FLYERS tasting, which includes these 4 tawnies plus an LBV and Vintage Port and costs EUR 10 more. Yes, it is quite some money, compared with the EUR 5 or EUR 10 tastings at other places… but you get something special in return.

As I understand, you will find some wine from 1880 in the 40 year old Port. This is an amazing wine… Many years ago I had the pleasure to taste a glass of the 1880 – and this will be forever in my memory as one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. It’s only a little bit of the 1880 that finds its way into the 40 year old Tawny – but that is what makes so much difference.

A little hint: if you are into white Port (or if you say there is no real good white Port) then please try the Special Reserve White Port – it is an amazing wine and an absolute pleasure to drink.

During my visit I had the pleasure to speak extensively with Bruno Menino, the store manager, and his team – and it was great to see the passion that they have for their wines and their company. In the world of high-end-Ports it is important to provide the customers with solid information about the wines, the Douro Valley and the company – and Vasques de Carvalho really delivers on this.

Therefore, my recommendation: spend some time here, try in a beautiful environment outstanding wines and go home with a bottle of the 40 year old Tawny and a few of the Special Reserve White Ports… it will be an afternoon to remember.

VASQUES DE CARVALHO
SOC. AGR. COM. LDA.

Av. Dr. Antão de Carvalho n. 43
5050-224 Peso da Régua
Douro, PORTUGAL

TLM | 00351 915 815 830
TLF | 00351 254 324  263
FAX | 00351 254 324 263
E-mail | vasquescarvalho43@gmail.com