Delaforce, Fine White 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, the company (called Douro Wine Company back then) was formed to regulate the trade and production of all port wine. One of the company’s first official duties was to delineate the boundaries of the Douro wine region – a measure that essentially made it the world’s first regional appellation. Today, it represents some of the finest Quintas in the Douro. Prestigious and experienced, Real Companhia Velha has been able to preserve and honour traditional Portuguese winemaking while investing in the future with constant modernisation and experimentation in the vineyard.

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.

Winemaking

It is aged for around 18 months in stainless steel or concrete vats.

Tasting Note

Pale colour and medium sweetness. Pleasantly fruity bouquet which maintains its pale colour over a long period.

Food Matching

A cool aperitif or sweet dessert wine.