Groc. and WINES for Rob M. Journal 23

 Weather:  Sunny, 14C but very windy.  Not basking in the sun weather.

I seem to be getting up later every morning but Mary had the coffee going when I stumbled down the stairs.  Unfortunately I just had enough milk for one coffee...bahhhh.  After an hour of watching Rosemary Church on CNN Mary decided to go for a walk while I managed to shave and look presentable for the grocery store.

Apolonia was our objective this morning.  We know Apolonia is more expensive than Intermarche and have a larger selection but the quality doesn't seem any better from what I can see.  Apolonia is a Portuguese chain and unlike the other Portuguese chain call Pingo Doce it is higher end as you may note in the pictures below.  

Pingo Doce has limited selection and low prices and always locates within a town where those without private transport can access easily.  However with 470 stores in Portugal they are the largest chain.  The stores we frequent are Intermarche (French), Apolonia (4 stores only in the Algarve) and family run, Aldi (German) and Continente (Portuguese).  But I digress, so on with it............

I decided to pick up another bottle of wine and as you can see the wine department in Apolonia is huge.  Mary went off and I decided to take a closer look at the various aisles of wines and spirits.  Very quickly I noticed that the prices were decidedly higher than I expected.  The only 5 euro wine I could find was Apolonia's house brand so I bought a bottle with the expectation that any chain that would put their name on the bottle would ensure it's a decent product.  We'll see!

If you are not interested in wines I advise you to go no further.  

I took following photos specifically for Rob McGregor so pay attention Rob.

As you can see by the wall they are very into wine.  

The prices for this Fonseca Vintage Port were not too bad.  They didn't have 2011.  I have a couple of bottles of 2011 at home and it would be interesting to see what they might ask for it here.  There are huge differences in prices according to the year.  Some years are excellent and some don't measure up.   Sorry, I missed the price tags.  I was trying to look 'cool' and not be noticed as I took the picture.  

The prices from left to right:  349.95; 549.95; 485.95.  Would you like me to bring a bottle back for you?

 
Like the Colheita these wines are in an uncooled cabinet and no lock that I could see.  Interesting prices
to say the least.
Prices on top shelf from l to R:  699.95; 899.95; 799.95; 4995.95.

The last one is Vinho Chateau Petrust 2007.  Apparently a very limited number
of bottles are produced each year and difficult to find.