Description
Founded in 1751, when British shippers dominated the Port trade, Ferreira is the oldest Port house currently in existence and remains a firm favourite in the domestic market. Under the leadership of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, one of the formidable widows of the world of wine, the company became the force it is today. Dona Antónia was an astute businesswoman, expanding the company’s vineyard holdings, developing viticulture in the Douro Superior and protecting the company’s library stocks. She also fought to improve the quality of life for impoverished people of the Douro, building schools and hospitals and supporting them during the phylloxera crisis. Dona Antónia was ahead of her time, recognising the importance of vineyard ownership to guarantee quality in a period when most Port houses bought bulk wine from farmers. By her death in 1896, Ferreira had become the largest Douro landowner with numerous illustrious Quintas to her name, including Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta do Vale Meão. In yet another testament to her enduring legacy, the Portuguese public recently voted to name a new bridge being built in Porto, the ‘Dona Antónia Ferreira’ bridge.
Amber in colour with intense aromas of dried citrus peel, nuts, caramel and baking spices on the nose. On the palate, it perfectly marries oomph and elegance, with a linear acidity balancing the sweetness and carrying the intense and evolved flavours onto the lingering finish.