NV Ruby Port, Ferreira, Douro, Portugal | Ferreira | Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Tinto Cão | Douro | Portugal

Founded in 1751, when the Port trade was dominated by British shippers, Ferreira is the oldest Portuguese Port house and remains the favourite in the domestic market.

It was under the leadership of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, one of the formidable widows of the world of wine, that the company became the force it is today. Not only was Dona Antónia 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 quality of life for the impoverished people of the Douro, building schools and hospitals and supporting them during the phylloxera crisis. Dona Antónia was ahead of her time in recognising the importance of vineyard ownership to guarantee quality, at a point when most other Port houses bought bulk wine from farmers. By the time of her death in 1896, Ferreira had become the largest Douro landowner and owned many illustrious Quintas including Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta do Vale Meão.

Today, the 27-hectare ‘Quinta do Porto’ is Ferreira’s flagship vineyard. Planted in 1771 and acquired by Dona Antónia in 1863, it is located on the north bank of the Douro, downstream from the village of Pinhão and facing Sandeman’s ‘Quinta do Seixo’ on the south bank. A warmer mesoclimate, due to the south/south-west exposure of the terraced vineyards and the proximity to the river, results in Ports characterised by an exuberant ripeness, exceptional concentration, weight and structure, yet wonderful balance. Old-vine parcels, described by winemaker Luís Sottomayor as “over retirement age”, produce low yields of intensely flavoured grapes and form the backbone of many of the top Ports in the Ferreira range. The entire Quinta is dry farmed, sustainable practices are followed and harvesting is carried out by hand.

Deep ruby in colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe and juicy strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants predominate. On the palate, the tannins are ripe and round and a refreshing acidity balances the sweetness and carries the ripe red fruit flavours onto the elegant finish.