Came to shop thrift stores on Rua de Santa Catarina, only 2 so far, a jeweller and womens very affordable shop but kitty corner came across this Grocers that had a large Port selection. Went in to see if they had the Nieport Ruby Port I had just tried and Antonio, 3rd Generation Grocer had it in the back. Asked about the Late Bottled Vintage and he also had that, a 2011 amd 2013 and being such a personable vendor he brought out glasses and gave us 2 large pours of different ports to blind taste and also educate us on what we were getting into...thanks a lot Antonio, my husband a straight rye whisky drinker just got hooked on your juice and now ready to ship 6 bottles @ 100€ shipping with vintage years that you could keep for 50 years...uhh lets stick to your tinned sardines and fruits please! Lol.
Told him he got me drunk at noon before I ate lunch with his generous pours and he offered us crackers and then told us to try one of his whole dried pears, delicious!
Experiences like this far more engaging and heart warming than paying for a port tasting at the numerous wineries on the waterfront (HRMajesty's Taylors was about 10€ for 2 tastings for a very sterile looking tourist mill which we obviously declined). Blocks away we tried 3+ Arte, artists cooperative--see review, walked in for a free tasting, bought 2 glass rings 4€ ea, and a $10 Nieport Ruby for less than 2 tastings at Taylors. I digress but you get my MO.
Antonio is super, fun and engaging, store owner who we plan to stay in touch with, buy his small batch Ports which we can't get in US.
Obrigato Senhor Antonio read more