The Wine of the Kings
Porto has had acclaims as no other wine in the world and for this reason
it was said in the European Courts- Porto is the King of the wines, the
wine of the Kings.
Whether claimed as a Portuguese creation, a British discovery or as an
American passion in the distinctive personality of Porto and its
inimitable character places it among the clonic drinks of this world.
Over 300 years of a well established reputation give to Porto the
recognition of being the wine that can age longer than any other.
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Porto is by definition a rich, fortified wine from the Douro- the oldest
demarcated wine region in the world.
Made with the traditional Portuguese grape varieties of the area the
fortifying process happens by adding grape spirit (brandy) to the musts
while in full fermentation.
This leaves the wine with natural grape sweetness and a ripe fruity
flavour at the same time it increases the alcoholic strength to 19/20º.
Among the grape varietis of the Region, there are more than thirty
different varieties that are grown in the Region, but research done in
the recent years, has identified five of them as being the ones of
exceptional quality: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto
Cão and Touriga Francesa.
250 Years of History
In 2006 Real Companhia Velha celebrated 250 years of existence and
uninterrupted activity on behalf of the Porto Wine trade. Behind, there
is a fabulous history and a glorious past. For the future there is the
continuous commitment for quality and the confidence of a well
established company with the vigour and the vision to make further
history. Since its foundation by Royal Charter of King Dom José in 1756,
many Kings have reigned in Portugal and the importance of Real Companhia
Velha is well demonstrated through the numerous services to the
community and the support of the majestic privileges granted by Queen D.
Maria I, King D. João IV, Queen D. Maria II and King D. Pedro.
Besides the fact that not many companies have existed for so long,
specially in the wine trade, what makes Real Companhia Velha unique is
the way its own history is intimately linked to the history of the Porto
Wine trade and to the history of Portugal itself.
For more than one century, between 1756 and 1865, Real Companhia Velha
played such an important role in the Porto industry, as regulatory body,
as well as trade promoter, that it can be said, the history of the
Company is almost the History of Porto.
)
Since its primordiums, the company's activities were designated to
protect and to develop the prestige and the sales of Porto Wine-
Portugal's number one export product of that time. In fact, the
importance of Porto Wine for the Portuguese economy in the middle and
late 18th century was such that in 1799, Porto Wine represented more
than 50% of the total Portuguese exports.
On the 7th December 1865 by Royal Decree of King Regent Dom Fernando who
declared free the exports through the Porto Harbour of all wines
produced in Portugal, the company lost its majestic privileges and
became a public company trading in the open Porto market continuing to
develop the reputation of its name all over the world.
The most popular style of Porto world-wide is
Tawny.
The Real Companhia Velha ages its Royal Oporto
standard Tawny for an average of 5 years which is
substantially more than most of its competitors, that
only follow the minimum 3 years required by law. Blended
in a consistent way, this fine medium bodied Porto
combines the elegance of its fruity flavour with a
mellow taste which ageing in oak barrels start providing
to the blend.
Ideal "aperitif" for the French and an "afternoon drink"
for the Portuguese, Tawny Port really serves well in any
occasion and its flavour is considerably enhanced when
served with nuts. It's recommended to keep it at cellars
temperature although in the hot season is more pleasant
if served at 16ºC.
Grape Varieties
Tinta Francisca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Touriga, Francesa, Touriga Nacional, Bastardo ,etc.
A blend of young full bodied Porto aged
for 3 years in wood. The wine has a dark ruby colour and a
fruity aroma with a complex spicy flavour of wild berries.
It is matured in oak casks in Vila Nova de Gaia for, at least, three years. This blend of wine is young, full-bodied and sweet. Good concentration of colour Ruby. Persistent fruit and harmonious on the palate.
Grape Varieties
Tinta Francisca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa,Tinto Cão.
A fine dry white Port made out of traditional white
grape varieties such as a Malvazia Fina. Aged in wood
barrels for 3 years, this type of Port is made using the
same procedures as for other Ports but allowing
fermentation to continue for longer before the
fortification.
Dry White Porto is known as a classic aperitif,
recommended to be drunk chilled and served with olives
and roasted almonds. It is also very pleasant on the
rocks garnished with a slice of orange.
This wine is bright in colour, with rich flavours of fruits and good balance on palate.
Grape Varieties
Donzelinho, Esgana-Cão, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, etc.
With a style derived from the Vintage, the Late Bottled
Vintage are Portos of excellent quality produced in good
years and originating also from a single crop.
Bottled six years after the harvest, the LBV's contrary
to Vintage benefit from considerable ageing in barrels.
In spite of being full bodied, due to their stay in
wood, LBV's are softer and smoother, thus facilitating
their immediate consuption.
Aged Tawnies
The Best that age can offer...
If a fine Port is left to age for many years in oak
casks it will gradually lose its original deep purple
color and take on the delicate amber hue know as Tawny.
Throughout the ageing process the wine gently breathes
the air through the pores of the wood. The simple
fruitiness of young wine gradually recedes giving way to
a vast range of subtle, mellow aromas: spice, liquorice,
walnut, vanilla, ripe jam fruit, and fine oak wood.
Its them, the wisdom and the long experience of the
cellar master of Real Companhia Velha intervene to
select among those fine Ports ageing for so long the
suitable ones to integrate the 10 and 20 years Old Tawny
blend.
In its capacity of artist... of creator, taking
advantages of his prodigious memory the master tastes
all the wines to assess their intrinsic characteristics.
All the experience and inspiration is required to
foresee the present and the future development of the
Portos selected and to anticipate the touch that each
individual one will provide to the blend.
There will be younger wine for vigour and freshness and
older wine for complexity and breed.
The aroma and flavor characteristic are in hands of the
master who strives to create a wine in accordance with
the company's s tyle.
The Real Companhia Velha 10 and 20 Years Old Tawny is
rich, mellow and smooth with a subtle fruity taste well
integrated and balanced. As a result of a long and
careful ageing in selected oak casks it has developed a
remarkable velvety flavor.
This Port is produced by skilful blending of wines that are matured for a minimum of 10 years in the timeless setting of Port wine. Slightly lighter color. Long and persistent nose, creamy and minty, choice and good. This is an excellent example of the smooth velvety wine that is 10 years at its best.
Grape Varieties Tinta Francisca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional
This Port is produced by skilful blending of wines that are matured for a minimum of 20 years in the timeless setting of the Port Wine Rich chestnut color with an ochre edge. Rich, deep, interesting nose; unctuous, ripe, beautifully balanced palate. Nice sugar and fruit.
Grape Varieties Tinta Francisca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional
Aged patiently in the intense silence and unique atmosphere of the two
hundred years lodges of the Company at Vila Nova de Gaia this fine Old
Tawny Aged over 40 years is presented to the market at its best.
The intervening time on the ageing process was precisely that necessary
for the wine to achieve its exact point of maturation and the inimitable
qualities of a wine filled with history.
The harmony of its aroma
Delicate but beautifully aromatic.
The balance of its flavor
Mellow and ripe with overtones of oranges and raisins, nutty hints of
toasted almonds.
The character of its taste
Smooth, well integrated and extremely elegant, a sweetness of fruit,
honey and soft spice, balancing acidity leaves the mouth very clean with
long lasting flavour of great finesse.
The exceptional character of this fine Old Tawny deserved also an
exceptional maturation process in only the most selected oak casks, to
acquire its distinctive pale medium amber colour with red brown tawny
hints.
This Port is produced by skilful blending of wines that are matured for more than 40 years in the timeless settings of the Port wine. During the years it acquired the genuine and distinct taste of wood and thus it underlines the excellent qualities that distinguish it.
This old noble wine has a complex velvet bouquet, it is of a burnt topaz tonality, with much race and character which is the result of the ageing process. It's a precious nectar, very elegant that touches the ones who drink it.
Grape Varieties Tinta
Francisca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa,
Touriga Nacional
The so-called "Colheitas" are Portos great quality,
originating from the single harvest mentionated on the
label.
Their organoleptic characteristics are exceptional and
all their ageing takes place in wooden barrels.
The marketing of "Colheitas" may only start after eight years of ageing and the bottling, which year is mentioned on the back label, precedes shipment.
The "Colheitas" Portos are placed on the market at their
quality peak, therefore do not improve with further
ageing.
Harmonious in flavor, balanced and peculiar in taste,
they have a long story to tell.
A story which reflects all the dedication of the Real Companhia Velha to wine production, the same wines that last forever in our memory.
305-438-0878 / 305-438-0879 / 305-788-6870
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