Product description
The company began its activity as Real Companhia Velha already in 1756, by decree of King D. José I, and the idea and initiator was the Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Count of Oeiras and Marquis of Pombal. It brought together the most important farmers of the Douro Valley, as well as many prominent citizens of the city of Porto, who were entrusted with the task of "maintaining the cultivation of vines, preserving their natural production and purity, for the benefit of agriculture, trade and public health". Another important stage not only of the company, but even of the entire history of winemaking, was the administrative separation of the Douro River Valley in 1761 and the establishment of regulations for it defining the rules for the cultivation, production and trade of wine.
The company's dynamic development was ensured by the establishment of trade relations with Tsarist Russia, where significant cargoes of this wine flowed between Portuguese and Baltic ports, guaranteeing the company a continuous and significant increase in turnover. The continuity of these activities was also aimed at weakening the dominance of Great Britain in the wine trade. In 2016, the company celebrated 260 years of activity, being known worldwide as the Royal Oporto Wine Company.
Very good quality Tawny port, made from grape varieties traditional to the Douro Valley. They are hand-picked, destemmed and then fermented in contact with the skins. Fermentation is interrupted at the right moment by adding high-proof wine alcohol. It is aged in oak vats, for an average of 4 years. It is complex and harmonious on the nose, full of aromas of red fruits and notes of oak. On the palate, mainly dried fruits are felt. The finish is long and balanced, with a pleasant sweetness.
It tastes best when served at a temperature of 14-16 degrees. It is worth remembering this to enjoy the full range of flavors and aromas, combined with the unconventional finesse that this wine offers. In culinary combinations, it will work well with chocolate-based desserts, with the addition of dried yellow fruit.