Simply Pedras

Água das Pedras with ice and lemon in Praia de Carcavelos. Photo by Filipe Gill

A memorable journey

From Porto, we follow the river Douro upstream. Stunning views make this journey an absolute pleasure. The river banks are steep and green, full of things happening on the way: houses, warehouses, trees, little paths, and vineyards create a diverse scenario.

Once I arrived in Régua, another unexpected adventure awaits. I have to walk to the connection to the Linha do Corgo, to catch the train that will eventually take me to Vidago, some 70km north. What makes this journey even more special is the fact that the train rolled on a narrow rail (1 metre wide), almost like a toy-train. And the carriages are small with wooden seats. But the journey is even more fascinating: it follows every hill and bank at a very slow pace.

This was 39 years ago. Now this line is no longer active, but the memories are still present.

I spend two very important years of my life in Vidago, the village north of Pedras Salgadas that has a very famous hotel appropriately named “Vidago Palace”. Both places are in the very special route between Vila Real to the South and Chaves to the North.

A Portuguese institution

Água das Pedras is, in my opinion, one of the best drinks you can have: in the Summer it is as good as a cold beer or a glass of chilled wine. And is the only water I drink during a meal; its is indeed a very gastronomic drink. Because it has these small beautiful bubbles and a little touch of saltiness that goes really well with sweet or savory food.

For a long time, it was associated with a drink for when you do not feel too well. Like it has some kind of ‘medicinal’ function. But with time it evolved as a drink to enjoy on it’s own, with coffee or with a meal. I like to drink it as a starter, before a meal.

Água das Pedras

Let’s start with the name: Water of the Rocks sounds so cool! Something reliable and that has been there forever. It’s full name is “Agua de Pedras Salgadas” and the name was created by the Founders of the brand – Henrique Botelho and Manoel Saraiva – in the second half of the 19th century. Because it comes out of the rocks and has a slight salty taste. But if this is created brand the product it represents is totally natural. No added anything. In fact you can go to Pedras Salgadas and drink the water from the very place where it comes out of the ground.

There are a few products and brands from my country that I am proud of. Pedras is one of them. No advertising intended.

__

Thank you: Observador