Last updated 09:20, Friday, 10 October 2008

Portuguese wine and Cumbrian produce is not an obvious combination. Yet it’s a match made in heaven, as those at Pippa Sedgwick’s tasting last week will testify.

We were greeted at Hutton-in-the-Forest by fizz, the crisp and clean Maria Gomes NV and a lush, fruity rosé, the Baga NV, both £8.95.

Then followed wines matched to dishes expertly prepared by Margaret Brough and Joan Gate, of Food & Company, and introduced by TV chef Annette Gibbons.

Redoma Rosé, £10.95, is a serious, food-friendly effort – the best rosé I’ve tasted this year.

Fans of the Spanish albarinho grape will love the Portuguese take, Alvarihno Soalheiro, £12.95. It was paired with Solway shrimps but would be sensational with scallops.

Castello d’alba is a buttery white, underpinned by crisp acidity, that was sublime with Lowther roast chicken.

Then came four reds, the pick of which were Peceguina Tinto, £12.95, well-balanced and long, and Saima Tinto, £8.50, elegant and concentrated with subtle tannins.

We finished with a 10-year-old Barbaito Malvasia Madeira, £23.50, not as sweet as some but a great foil for the obligatory sticky toffee pud.

Contact Pippa Sedgwick Wines on 01228 573354.