Real Companhia Velha

Real Companhia Velha makes it to the top of João Paulo Martins’ choices for 2015

Considered one of Portugal’s most influential wine critics, João Paulo Martins launched in 2014 his 21st Wine Guide - Vinhos de Portugal - and selected 5 of Real Companhia Velha’s wines for the “Best of the Year” category. The wines selected were: Real Companhia Velha Espumante (Best Sparkling Wines), Quinta de Cidrô Rosé (Best Rosé Wines), Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas (Best Red Wines), Grandjó Late Harvest (Best Late Harvest Wines) and the Royal Oporto Colheita 1980 (Best Fortified – Port & Madeira).

João Paulo Martins claims that Real Companhia Velha has “surprised in the Sparkling wine chapter, an area which after a long interval, they have yet again a strong proposal”. In the Best Rosé Wine category, the critic elected the Quinta de Cidrô Rosé 2013, a typical Portuguese Rosé made from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca with intense floral and fruit notes. A balanced and refreshing wine with good acidity and a long, velvety finish.
 

In the Red wine category, the attention is on Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas, the company’s top wine. Originating from Quinta das Carvalhas, “a spot where (according to Martins) great Douro wines are and will be born. This is a blend, of great quality, produced from vines with more than 80 years of age.” For Late Harvest Wines, a new category was created for this edition, selecting the Grandjó Late Harvest 2008, made from grapes naturally affected by the Botrytis Cinerea, which is produced by the company since the 20s. Finally, in the Fortified Category, Martins chose 1980 amongst the company’s very old Colheita Ports.

Real Companhia Velha is the oldest and most emblematic wine company in Portugal, having celebrated this year 258 years of existence and uninterrupted activity in the service of Port Wine. History has left us with a record of an incredible story and a glorious past. For the future we hold the desire to maintain the high standard of quality in our wines and the confidence that the rigorous and visionary philosophy of this company will write down even more history.

The discovery of Port Wine results from a pure coincidence. During the 16th Century, English merchants, rooted in the City of Porto, supplied their wine trade from vineyards planted in the Douro Valley. Before travelling, they would add wine brandy into the barrels to ensure the wine’s preservation. The successful integration of wine, oak and brandy resulted in a fortified but very enjoyable wine, thus, Port Wine was created.

Quinta das Carvalhas

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro Valley. Written references regarding this magnificent vineyard can be traced back to 1759.

Enjoying a prominent position on the left bank of the Douro river, in Pinhão, the estate covers the entire hillside facing the Douro river and occupies part of the slopes of the right bank of the tributary Torto river. Carvalhas’ Old Vines, are a post-phylloxera plantation, which have reached the respectful age of a century old.

At Quinta das Carvalhas it is possible to enjoy wine tastings at our wine shop, located right at the entry of the property. Visitors are welcome to appreciate the breath-taking views on a sightseeing bus, walking-tours or even through our “birdwatching” program. Our tours provide the possibility of visiting the iconic Round House, located at 550 metres on the top of the mountain, with a panoramic 360º view.

Quinta dos Aciprestes

Since 1860, Quinta dos Aciprestes has been a successful conglomerate of three neighbouring Quintas. The original Quinta, named Cyprestes, was founded during the 18th Century by D. José de Seabra, one of D. Maria I, Queen of Portugal’s ministers, and later passed onto his predecessors the Vicounts of Baía.
 

Today, Quinta dos Aciprestes extends for over 2 kilometres on the left bank of the River Douro, facing the tributary River Tua. The Quinta has seen a complete re-plantation of its vineyards, with the noblest varieties of the region. The optimal microclimate at this 100-hectar vineyard, located within Cima Corgo close to the Douro Superior sub-region, offers ideal conditions for perfect ripening of red grapes.

Quinta de Cidrô

Quinta de Cidrô is located in São João da Pesqueira, one of the most highly regarded areas of the Douro Valley. Throughout the last 20 years, Cidrô has been transformed into an experimental-model vineyard for the entire region. Acquired in 1972, the Quinta has been subject to a vast reconversion program, which includes the Palace and the vineyard, applying a vertical plantation system in great scale.
 

In the most privileged location, international varieties perform equally well as the local grapes. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and the adaptable Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the foreign varieties that here express their best qualities when vinified by the extensive winemaking know-how present at the Company.