Delaforce, Fine Ruby Port, Douro, Portugal

Producer Profile

The iconic Real Companhia Velha is the oldest wine company in Portugal, with a history of over 260 years of port production.

Founded in 1756 by the Portuguese Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal (called Douro Wine Company back then) to regulate the trade and production of all Port wine. One of the first official duties of the company was the delineation of the boundaries of the Douro wine region. This act essentially made the Douro the world's first regional appellation. Today this company represents some of the finest Quintas in the Douro. Prestigious and experienced, they have been able to preserve and honour the traditional winemaking while investing in the future with constant modernisation and experimentation in their vineyards.

Viticulture

Overarching some of best Quintas in the Douro, they have been able to preserve and honour the tradition of winemaking while investing in the future, with constant modernisation and experimentation at their vineyards. Real Companhia Velha are very proud to announce that they been granted the first “Sustainable Winegrowing Certification” by APCER - the leading Portuguese accreditation institution, following the internationally recognised standard of sustainable viticulture created by IVV and ViniPortugal - Portugal’s wine sector governing and promotional bodies. This is an official recognition of the sustainable practices which Real Companhia Velha has implemented over the years, particularly in the vineyard and has been scored with grade A – the highest level of sustainability demonstrating the company's commitment to preserving the environment.

Oak Ageing

Tasting Note

Rich, lightly perfumed, raspberry aroma. On the mouth; smooth, silky, deliciously fresh sweet raspberry fruit flavours. Lovely quality and intensity of fruit. An attractive very fresh well balanced wine.

Food Matching

Serve with blue cheese, mature cheddar, nuts, and chocolate desserts.

Awards

Wine Spectator 89 Points
Rich, ripe and spicy, with expansive flavors, robust structure, plenty of g rip and a lingering finish of vanilla, caramel and plum. A lively wine with a lot of verve. 89 Points.