Fans of Portuguese wines and those who’ve yet to explore the exquisite flavour profiles from this remarkable region are in for a special treat on Thursday, September 22 as WILDE at The Westbury will host an exclusive evening of wine from Esporão served alongside beautifully prepared dishes created especially for each pairing.
This September 22nd, WILDE at The Westbury will be bringing a taste of Portugal to guests for one extraordinary evening of exceptional wines paired with a specially created five-course menu to bring out the delicious flavours of each pour.
Hosted by Esporão’s chief winemaker, José Luís Moreira da Silva, and presented in collaboration with Febvre Wines, the evening will see specially selected wines from Esporão from the Alentejo, Herdade do Esporão and Douro Quinta dos Marcas regions of Portugal, with some of the wines having never been available in Ireland before, complemented by beautifully prepared dishes by WILDE Executive Chef Sandeep Singh and his team.
Guests of WILDE at The Westbury might be somewhat familiar with Esporão, as its wines have featured on the curated wine list for many years. The winery is a champion in Portugal of award-winning, sustainably and organic farmed wines.
Philip Dunne, Group Sommelier of The Doyle Collection, says: “Esporão sustainably produces spectacular organic wines – this is a winemaking mission I’m very passionate about supporting at The Westbury – and we’re excited to be bringing these special vintages to our guests. Each pour will be paired with specially prepared dishes by Sandeep Singh and his team to truly make the most of their extraordinary flavour profiles.”
The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 7pm, with dinner served at 7.30. Guests will be treated to homemade breads served with Esporão Extra Virgin Olive Oil, followed by a canapé of Carlingford rock oyster and ceviche paired with Antão Vaz, Esporão Colheita 2020 (Organic), Alentejo.
The first course, gambas à la guilho, will be paired with Antão Vaz/Arinto, Esporão Reserva 2021 (Organic), Alentejo.
The second course, pan-seared cod, padrón pepper, chorizo and bean ragout, will be served with Roupeiro, Esporão ‘Vinho de Talha’ Amphora 2019 (Natural), Alentejo.
This will be followed with a third course of roast Thornhill duck breast, orange and girolles served with Touriga Nacional/Touriga Franca, Quinta dos Murças Margem 2019, Douro.
The fourth course will be grilled Slane Valley lamb cutlets with salsa verde served with Touriga Nacional, Quinta dos Murças, Reserva 2015, Douro.
And the feast will finish with a selection of Irish cheeses and figs paired with Quinta dos Murças 10 years Tawny Port, Douro, then petits fours with tea and coffee.
Limited tickets for this exclusive evening are available at €95 per person. To book, visit Wilde Events (sevenrooms.com)
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About Esporão
Esporão was established in 1973 by its founder, José Roquette, with the birth of its first vintage in 1985. Next year, it will celebrate 50 years of history since the acquisition of Herdade do Esporão. José’s desire was to make the finest wines that Portugal could produce with the mission to create the best products offered by nature, in a responsible and inspiring way. Esporão is now led by the next generation – José’s son, João Roquette, and the brand continues with its founding mission. In 2020, Esporão was recognised and awarded as one of the most admired wine brands in the world by Drinks International. In 2008, Esporão began the conversion to organic production methods and now most of its wines are certified organic. Last year, Esporão’s own restaurant in Alentejo – Herdade do Esporão – was awarded a Michelin star as well as a Michelin Green Star.
José Luís Moreira da Silva, a native of Porto, joined Esporão in 2015, first as a winemaker in Quinta dos Murças, Douro, then in 2019 also in Quinta do Ameal, Vinho Verde. His winemaking philosophy is: “Interfere as little as possible with the process and uncover the real identity of each vineyard, grape variety, and origin.” As Chief Production Officer, José Luis now oversees the entire production.
About The Doyle Collection
At the heart of our business is a warmth of service that stems from our family ownership, imbuing our properties with the familiarity of a members’ club and the intimacy of a private home. Each of our eight hotels – landmark buildings in unrivalled city locations, has its own distinct personality that is rooted in, and authentic to, its neighbourhood. Innovation and ongoing investment ensure a boutique, cosmopolitan yet local feel – as seen in our cool destination restaurants, bars and event spaces – while our heritage lends character to our vision of informal luxury, timeless style and the very best guest experience.
