In the spotlight
Tiago from Pirolito
Since having the pleasure to spending many summers on the Algarve coast, we know how delicious Portuguese wines can be… so imagine how excited we were to hear of Pirolito - your designated importer and wine shop specialising in what Portugal has to offer. Get to know Tiago and his Pirolito in the article below.
Q: In a couple of sentences, tell us about Pirolito.
A: Pirolito is the online platform for natural, bio and biodynamic Portuguese wines in the Netherlands. Being Portuguese myself I also act as the cultural ambassador. My project creates unique cross-cultural relationships with everyone that knows and/or wants to learn more about the wines as well as other areas of interest about my country.
Q: What about You personally, why are you working with this? What's your story?
A: My name is Tiago, and I'm a proud Amsterdammer since 2005. To this date and in the future the best way to bring people together is around a table. In the past I hosted several Dutch food pop-ups and beer workshops around town. Over the past few years through my speakeasy Dutch food tasting events I've always paired it with contemporary Portuguese wines.
In Portugal, I've been fortunate to spend time around farms, countryside, wineries and enjoy many seasons by the Atlantic. With this knowledge and experience I'm delighted to share it with others and obviously bringing everyone closer to the most exciting wines and wine makers.
Q: What is your favourite bottle in your store right now, and Why should we all buy one?
A: In Pirolito's portfolio everyone is able to make their personal selection of Portuguese wine from different regions (e.g. Douro, Alentejo, Lisboa), get to discover some of the 250 native grapes and be acquainted with the stories behind the winemakers. There are adequate options to match everyone's preference, occasion or for those that want to get out of their wine comfort zone. When in doubt, I work close with everyone to ensure my customers can also experience great wines beyond the taste.
Q: From your shop right now, name a bottle that you consider to be the perfect bottle for AUTUMN/WINTER AFTERNOONS.
A: I'd say Alentejo is the region that gives versatile types of wine you need this season. I would definitely recommend anyone to try my selections of curtimenta (orange), claretes, or palhetes (mix red and white grapes). Expect great southern European comfort :)
Q: And what about your top tips for bottles that will raise the CHRISTMAS CHEER?
A: Portuguese wines are super versatile and born ready for the challenges of any calendar festivity. For these darker & colder months, let the sunshine and Atlantic elegance in with:
1. Prototipo P2 - White Pet Nat
2. Frey - É Dourado (Orange)
3. Vila Rachel – FIM (Rosé)
4. Quinta de Tourais - Miura Space Invaders (Red)
5. Thyro - Late Harvest (Dessert wine)
Tiago sampling his wines