I'm stranded in the Port barelands

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 08:47 Mon 24 Mar 2008

A couple of days ago we had our first chance to browse the local bulk store (where non-muslims can buy their alcohol). Actually, we were surprised to find out that the wine selection was not as bad as we feared. Let's say: supermarket+. Port, on the other hand, is apparently not something that is widely enjoyed by the expat community here. Which is, in fact, strange, as a large part of that community is British.

Our choice:
- A B-label Ruby of Porto Cruz.
- Cockburn Ruby Reserve
- Cockburn Tawny.

That's it. Not even a white port to mix with tonic.

I know now that I'm going to savour the one bottle of Martinez 1994 that we brought, and that we are going to instruct every visitor to bring us Port!

ac-fast · Post by **ac-fast** » 09:25 Mon 24 Mar 2008

Can`t you order from the internet, and have it send to you ??

Rubby · Post by **Rubby** » 09:47 Mon 24 Mar 2008

Or maybe let the store order a couple of cases for you?

Post by **jdaw1** » 14:50 Mon 24 Mar 2008

Rubby wrote:Or maybe let the store order a couple of cases for you?

Be very very specific, with pictures, when asking them to order.

And taste a cheap one first to learn whether they become heat-damaged.

Axel P · Post by **Axel P** » 10:40 Tue 25 Mar 2008

Ronnie,

be a pioneer and try to blend from the three.

Always remember: there are people fairly close to you in the desert and they would love to have something like this.

Leaving the fun aside: Im very sorry, but an internet shopping should be possible, shouldnt it?

All the best to the south

Axel

KillerB · Post by **KillerB** » 03:18 Wed 26 Mar 2008

I found that Lidl was a bit restrictive in Flanders as well. Try Netto or Aldi instead.

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 09:46 Wed 26 Mar 2008

KillerB wrote:I found that Lidl was a bit restrictive in Flanders as well. Try Netto or Aldi instead.

Hey, I've posted pictures in another thread! Belgium doesn't look like that!!

Internet shopping... nope, not possible. It is forbidden to bring alcohol into the country, other than 2 bottles that each foreigner can bring when visiting the country.

I may try to persuade the store go give me a list of what's available in the country. There HAS to be some better stuff around.

In the meantime, I'm sticking to white wine and beer.

KillerB · Post by **KillerB** » 11:46 Wed 26 Mar 2008

Yep the beer's fine but I hope the wine is imported, as it's rubbish even near the French border.

Axel P · Post by **Axel P** » 16:59 Wed 26 Mar 2008

All the best

Axel

Post by **DRT** » 17:20 Wed 26 Mar 2008

Ronnie,

I have a plan that may help.

You could drive a large van to a convenient spot near a border crossing-point. Venlo, perhaps? We will bring lots of bottles of VP in a suitable vehicle and place it on the other side of the border, just out of range of the Guards. This may be tricky if we have to use a sea route but stick with me.

You then walk (or row) across the border more than once, each time (legally) carrying back 2 bottles of VP and placing them in your van. You have to admit it's a brilliant plan.

Perhaps we could have a night out in Bruges old town once we're finished?

Derek

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 05:59 Mon 14 Apr 2008

Yesterday I was in a bar, and noticed they had Graham's LBV and Croft 10YO on the list. So there's at least some better stuff out there!

Decided on Kilkenny instead, but will certainly give the Croft a try soon, as I don't recall having had that port in a long while.

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 06:14 Sun 27 Apr 2008

In a restaurant yesterday, I was able to get a glass of Portal Fine Tawny. I will be the first to admit that it's a simple port, that it was served much too warm (near the boiling point) and in a ridiculously small glass, but I loved it to bits.

Post by **DRT** » 01:00 Mon 28 Apr 2008

Ronnie,

I think I may have asked this before but is it possible for us to post single bottles to you as "gifts"?

Derek

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 05:43 Mon 28 Apr 2008

Nope, not possible. The only way to get alcohol into the country is flying into the country. You are then allowed to bring two bottles per person. So, when guests come to visit us, they'll have to make some room in their baggage!

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 12:05 Sun 11 May 2008

We decided to take fate into our own hands and started the construction work of our brand new vineyard:

I'm quite hopeful for good results. The sun exposure is good, the soil is poor, and the hill is steep. What more does one want? I don't think we need to graft our vines as I don't believe phylloxera ever reached this far.

JacobH · Post by **JacobH** » 18:02 Sun 11 May 2008

RonnieRoots wrote:We decided to take fate into our own hands and started the construction work of our brand new vineyard:

Impressive socalcos you've cut on the other side of the valley. I'm glad your sticking with tradition and not following these new "down the hill" planting techniques!