Vinho Verde Producers Grapes Varieties The Language Of Portugal Cities

Quinta da Aveleda Borges & Irmao Solar das Boucas Palacio de Brejoeira Caves do Casalinho Quinta da Cismeira Cockburn Smithes Quinta do Cotto Ferreira Quinta de Franqueira Adega Cooperativa de Ponte da Lima Real Companhia Vinicola do Norte do Portugal Sogrape Quinta do Tamariz

Barca Velha, named after the old barges, which ferried wine down-river, was launched in 1952 and is Portugal's greatest red wine. It is made from high-quality port grapes in a remote corner of the Douro close to the Spanish border. It is the brainchild of Ferreira's chief winemaker, Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, who was inspired by a visit to Bordeaux. Like vintage port, it is declared only in exceptional years, the remainder being declassified as Reserva Especial. Aged in new Portuguese oak, the wines have a solid, spicy character.