Event — Barca Velha, a Portuguese icon

Barca Velha represents the pinnacle of quality among Douro wines. It is the most famous Portuguese wine whose creation dates back to 1952.

Barca Velha is only produced in exceptional years and forms the basis of Casa Ferreirinha which has built its reputation on the Douro. Barca Velha has only been bottled 19 times. The last vintage is 2011. The production seems to be 25,000 to 33,000 bottles per year.

It is produced from a blend of the indigenous Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão grapes, selected from vineyards at different altitudes in the Douro Valley.

After vinification at Quinta da Leda, Barca Velha moves to Vila Nova de Gaja to be aged for an average of 16 months in new French oak barrels. The finished wine is then assembled from a selection of the finest barrels, then bottled and aged for at least five years before being released. It was only after those five years that the decision to label under Barca Velha was made. If it is determined that the level is not sufficient to pass under this label, the wine will be called 'Reserva Especial'.

We offer a vertical of 10 vintages Barca Velha, Ferreirnha as well as 3 vintages Colares Chitas, Antonio da Silva.

This tasting will be accompanied by invaluable comments from Dominique Fornage as well as a dinner specially concocted for the occasion.