Barca Velha Douro
More details about this product is available when connected to a market.
More details about this product is available when connected to a market.
Country
Portugal
Nature
Wine
Family
Still wine
Acidity
6
pH
3.5
Sugar
2
Temperature
16
Alcohol by volume
14.5
Aging potential
Long Ageing
Varietal
Touriga Franca 50%, Touriga nacional 30%, Tinta roriz 10%, Autre (s) cépage (s) 10%
Winemaking notes
After soft crushing and full de-stemming, the grapes (50% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinto Cão, 10% Tinta Roriz) were placed into stainless steel tanks and epoxy lined granite "lagares" where cold maceration pre-fermentation took place prior to alcoholic fermentation. During this period, intense pumping-over and mechanical-operated "pigeages" is carried out at automatically
controlled temperatures. A long post-fermentation maceration process followed, in order to obtain
full aromatic and polyphenolic extraction. Soon after the end of maceration, potential wines to be used for Barca Velha were transported to
Vila Nova de Gaia. There, after the final fermentations, they underwent "elevage", or maturation, for 16 months in 225-litre new French oak barrels. The final blend was prepared from a continuous selection of the best wines, following numerous tastings and analyses during this period upon the different blends and barrels. In this rigorous process, guided by the traditional values of Casa Ferreirinha, lies the true 'secret' of Barca
Velha. In order to preserve its supreme quality, Barca Velha is bottled with no prior treatment and therefore naturally develops a deposit.
Viticultural notes
The grapes are selected predominately from Quinta da Leda, but also from the higher zones of the Douro Superior sub-region. Barca Velha represents the pinnacle of quality amongst Douro wine. Classic, intense, complex, elegant and rich, adjectives are a few words to describe what is, and has been since its creation in 1952, the most celebrated Portuguese wine. Barca Velha is only declared in exceptional years.
Tasting notes
A deep ruby hue and an intense, complex bouquet with a strong presence of well-ripened red fruit, spices such as pepper, clove, hints of balsamic cedar, resin and tobacco box. Notes of asparagus and artichokes and aromas of high-quality oak mingle in perfect harmony. Its palate is full-bodied, with lively balanced acidity, intense tannins and notes of fresh red fruits, pepper, clove and ginger. It has an extraordinarily long, graceful and harmonious finish. .
Pairing notes
To fully appreciate Barca Velha it requires thoughtful preparation in keeping with the occasion. Ideally, the bottle should be allowed to stand the night before and opened 2 to 3 hours before serving. With so many years in the bottle, the wine must be decanted carefully to separate its natural sediment and preferably served at between 16ºC-18ºC. Pairs very well with meat, game and cheeses.