Ferriera Dona Antonia 10 Year Old Tawny Port

Tasting Notes

Founded in 1751, when British shippers dominated the Port trade, Ferreira is the oldest Port house currently in existence and remains a firm favourite in the domestic market. Under the leadership of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, one of the formidable widows of the world of wine, the company became the force it is today. Dona Antónia was an astute businesswoman, expanding the company’s vineyard holdings, developing viticulture in the Douro Superior and protecting the company’s library stocks. She also fought to improve the quality of life for impoverished people of the Douro, building schools and hospitals and supporting them during the phylloxera crisis. Dona Antónia was ahead of her time, recognising the importance of vineyard ownership to guarantee quality in a period when most Port houses bought bulk wine from farmers. By her death in 1896, Ferreira had become the largest Douro landowner with numerous illustrious Quintas to her name, including Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta do Vale Meão. In yet another testament to her enduring legacy, the Portuguese public recently voted to name a new bridge being built in Porto, the ‘Dona Antónia’ bridge. Pale brick red in colour. On the nose, mellow red fruit aromas are married with notes of roasted nuts, marmalade and caramel. On the palate, a vibrant acidity perfectly balances the sweetness and carries the rich flavours onto the smooth finish. Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela.