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.
Wine made from the traditional Douro grapes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. The grapes for production were hand-picked, destemmed, then gently pressed and macerated on the skins. Fermentation took place at a controlled temperature and was interrupted at the right moment by adding high-proof wine alcohol. The wines used in this blend matured in barrels for different periods of time, the average age of all is 20 years. On the nose it is well-balanced, velvety, full of aromas of fruit jam, licorice and vanilla. On the palate it is balanced, with an emerging accent of toffee and nuts. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of spices.
It tastes best served at a temperature of 14-16 degrees. It is worth following this to feel the harmony and finesse in the rendering of the flavors and aromas of this wine. In culinary combinations, it will work well with desserts composed of chocolate and fruit, toffee and caramel additions will also be appropriate.