Immature Green Grapes

Mono Monday. Summer or Winter. Laurie54.

Looking forward to this roadside vine in a few months. When a casual stroll will yield some tasty treats.

In 2018 Portugal led the world in consumption of wine per capita (over15), with 62 litres, way ahead of number two France which has 50 litres. We moved here in late 2018, so the 2019 numbers will be higher. Down the list G.B. drinks 23 litres and further down, the U.S. averaged 12.

The biggest producers in order are Italy, France, Spain, USA, Argentina. Portugal is 12th.

And then there is Port. Made in Portugal’s Douro Valley, only wines that are produced in this region can be labeled Port or Oporto in Europe. The 1386 Treaty of Windsor laid the groundwork for a reciprocal relationship between Portugal and England. By the 15th century, Portuguese wine was exported regularly to England, sometimes in exchange for salt cod. Sea travel took its toll, as the heat and movement inside the barrels deteriorated the wines., so winemakers began to add brandy to the wines, which extended their shelf life.

admirer has left us. A sad day.