Barca Velha, Casa Ferreirinha, 2011

GENERAL INFORMATION

Estate / Producer / Brand: ‘Casa Ferreirinha’, Sogrape

Region: Douro, Portugal

Appellation: Douro

Type: Dry red wine, non-sparkling, not fortified

Vintage: 2011

Date of Tasting: April 2023

Type of viticulture: organic

Grapes used: Touriga Franca (45%) + Touriga Nacional (35%) + Tinto Cão (10%) + Tinta Roriz (10%)

Vintage Blend: 100% grapes from 2011

Winemaking details: This cuvée was vinified at Quinta da Leda by Luis Sottomayor. The grapes used come mainly from the Quinta de Leda vineyard, with additional grapes coming from vineyards located in different areas of the Douro Superior (Douro Superior)

Aging: 18 months under French oak barrels

Sugar level: low (level of residual sugar not communicated)

Sulphites: contains sulphites

APPEARANCE

  • Colour = Ruby
  • Intensity = Deep

NOSE

  • Intensity = Pronounced
  • Aromas Characteristics = Primary + Secondary + Tertiary
  • Aromas = Black plum, blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, cloves, balsamic notes, cedar

PALATE

  • Sweetness = Dry
  • Acidity = Medium+
  • Tannins = High (firm but starting to be well-integrated)
  • Alcohol = High (14.5%)
  • Body = Full
  • Flavour Intensity = Pronounced
  • Flavour Characteristics = Primary + Secondary + Tertiary
  • Flavour details = Black plum, blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, cloves, black pepper, balsamic notes, cedar, slight mineral touch
  • Other = vibrant acidity
  • Finish = Long

GENERAL ASSESSMENT (1)

  • Overall Quality = Outstanding
  • Bottle Aging =
    • Can be kept at around 10°C for another 20 years
    • Will gain complexity from aging
  • Retail Price = 700 euros for a 75cl individual bottle (France retail price, incl. taxes)
  • Value for Money = not applicable given the price
  • Comparison with same price competition = not applicable given the uniqueness of this wine
  • Suitability for Diabetics = suitable (level of residual sugar not communicated)
  • Service Temperature = around 16°C
  • Suggested Food & Wine Pairing = red meat, beef, Carne Mirandesa, Carne Barrosã Viana do Castelo District, Carnalentejana, Carne dos Açores, Black Angus, Buffalo meat, Cornish pasties
  • Comments = A true legend! Totally lives up to its reputation! This wine still displays a vibrant acidity (despite being from 2011) together with a powerful tannic structure. However, its balance aromas-acidity-tannins is exceptional and its finish is long, persistant and complex centered around aromas of dark fruits, tobacco and hints of cedar. This wine is very rare because it has only been produced in 20 exceptional vintages since 1952 (and in limited quantity each time). Therefore, if you have a chance to get your hand on one bottle, you will be among the lucky few who can enjoy this true portuguese treasure.
  • Final Grade = A++

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www.oray-wine.com


Wine is a gourmet treasure, do not abuse alcohol!

None of this content has been sponsored

I did not receive any gifts or free samples that could be related to this article

www.oray-wine.com


(1)GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDE

Please note that although all efforts have been made to be as objective as possible, the general assessment inherently involves a degree of subjectivity based on a personal evaluation of the wine.

  • Overall Quality scale
    • Poor < Acceptable < Good < Very Good < Outstanding
  • Bottle Aging
    • Will it beneficiate from additional aging?
  • Retail Price
    • Usually the retail price for one bottle including taxes
  • Value for Money
    • Quality offered compared to the price paid
  • Comparison with same price competition
    • where does it stand compared to average competition of the same price range
  • Suitability for Diabetics
    • Evaluation of the level of final sugar for early stages diabetics
  • Comments
    • Any additional elements worth noting
  • Final Grade Scale
    • A++ = Out of the Charts Wine (Stellar, Hors Classe, Fuori Classe)
    • A+ = Outstanding Wine
    • A = Great Wine
    • A- = Very Very Good
    • B+ = Very Good
    • B = Good
    • B- = Noteworthy
    • C+ = Acceptable
    • C = Poor
    • F = The worst grade of this scale

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