Casa Ferreirinha
Leading Douro producer of fine wines
The original pioneer of unfortified wines in Portugal’s Douro Valley, Casa Ferreirinha is best known as the producer of Barca Velha. First made in 1952, this almost-mythical red wine is only produced in exceptional vintages and is celebrated for its classic, intense, intricate, elegant, opulent qualities. It serves as the foundation upon which Casa Ferreirinha has built its reputation.
Casa Ferreirinha is named after Dona Antónia Ferreira (affectionally called ‘Ferreirinha’, or ‘little Ferreira’) a legendary, entrepreneurial woman who purchased the vineyard land in the hot, dry Douro Superior region that became the foundation for estate’s success. Head of winemaking Luís Sottomayor oversees the production of a wide range of elegant, restrained Douro wines.
The estate’s iconic Reserva Especial is produced in the vintages when grapes does not meet the standards required for making Barca Velha. The range also encompasses the unoaked reds Esteva and Papa Figos, and the oak-aged reds, Vinha Grande (also made as white and rosé), Callabriga and Quinta da Leda; each combines concentrated, polished red and black fruits with subtle spicy hints of tobacco box and cocoa. Planalto, meanwhile, is crisp, refreshing white from high elevation vineyards, which represent exceptional price value at the entry level.
