Ferreira is the oldest and one of the most prestigious port wine houses in Portugal. It was founded in 1751 by a man named Antonio Bernardo Ferreira and has been producing high-quality port wines ever since. The company has always been dedicated to the production of traditional and authentic port wines and has become an iconic brand in the wine industry. Throughout its long history, Ferreira has received numerous awards for its wines, recognizing its excellence in winemaking and commitment to quality. In this article, we will explore the history, wines, and awards of Ferreira, the first Portuguese Port House.
History of Ferreira:
Antonio Bernardo Ferreira, the founder of Ferreira, was a successful businessman who realized the potential of the Douro Valley for producing high-quality wines. He acquired several vineyards in the Douro region and built a modern winery in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto, where he could age and blend his wines. Ferreira quickly gained a reputation for producing excellent port wines, and its wines became popular among the aristocracy and the royal family.
In 1815, the Ferreira family sold the company to another successful businessman, Joaquim Augusto Ferreira, who expanded the business and modernized the winery. Joaquim Augusto Ferreira was also responsible for the construction of the iconic Ferreira Cellars, which still stands today and is open to the public for visits and tastings.
Over the years, Ferreira has been owned by several other families and companies, but it has always maintained its commitment to quality and tradition. Today, Ferreira is part of the Sogrape Vinhos group, one of the largest wine producers in Portugal, but it continues to be a symbol of the Portuguese wine industry.
Ferreira Wines:
Ferreira is best known for its port wines, which are made from a blend of grapes grown in the Douro Valley. The company produces a range of port wines, including Tawny, Ruby, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), Vintage, and White Port. Ferreira’s wines are characterized by their rich, complex flavors, and elegant, smooth finish.
Ferreira Tawny Port:
Ferreira Tawny Port is a blend of wines aged in oak barrels for an average of three years. It has a beautiful amber color and a rich, nutty aroma, with notes of dried fruits, caramel, and spice. On the palate, it is smooth and full-bodied, with a long, lingering finish. Ferreira Tawny Port is perfect as an aperitif or dessert wine and pairs well with chocolate, nuts, and cheese.
Ferreira Ruby Port:
Ferreira Ruby Port is a blend of young, fruity wines aged in oak barrels for an average of two years. It has a deep ruby color and a lively, fruity aroma, with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, with a fruity, slightly sweet finish. Ferreira Ruby Port is perfect as an aperitif or paired with chocolate, nuts, and fruit-based desserts.
Ferreira Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port:
Ferreira Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port is made from a single vintage and aged in oak barrels for four to six years. It has a deep ruby color and a rich, fruity aroma, with notes of black cherry, plum, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with a long, smooth finish. Ferreira LBV Port is perfect as a dessert wine and pairs well with chocolate, fruit, and cheese.
