Let's talk little, let's talk wine
The Bergqvist family has been producing Port since 1815. The Quinta de la Rosa estate was given as a christening present to Claire Feuheerd in 1906. In 1988, Claire’s granddaughter Sophia and her father Tim Bergqvist decided to revive the estate and make it a national reference. In the 1990s, they were pioneers in the production of quality dry red wines in the Douro. The estate is located on the beautiful banks of the Douro River, in the Cima Corgo region. The highly diversified vines start from the banks and are planted up to 400 metres above sea level.
The grapes are hand-picked from the steep terraces of the Douro Valley , where only the best bunches are selected to produce Vintage Port. The grapes are traditionally foot-trodden in granite lagares. This process allows for gentle and efficient extraction of colours and tannins, whilst preserving the grapes’ natural aromas. Fermentation is carried out by indigenous yeasts in the lagares. Halfway through, it is interrupted by the addition of wine brandy (aguardente) to fortify the wine. After fortification, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for a short aging period of 2 to 3 years, before being bottled. This magnificent Vintage Port reveals exquisite notes of wild blackberry , black cherry , plum jam , cassis liqueur , coffee , chocolate , violet , liquorice , black pepper and menthol . The palate is rich, voluptuous and intense. The alcohol is well controlled, the acidity enhances the flavors and leaves room for a superb length in the mouth. This is a very beautiful Port that expresses itself more on candied black fruits.
A Vintage Port is a Port wine made from the best grapes of a single exceptional year, declared "vintage" by the producer. This wine is aged in oak barrels for a short period (usually 2 to 3 years) before being bottled for a long maturation, which can last several decades. A Vintage Port is characterized by its richness, its tannic structure and its ability to develop complex aromas with age. It is one of the most prestigious and sought-after styles among Port wines. Unlike LBV, Vintages have a much longer aging potential and develop complex aromas over time.
Where are we traveling?
The little history of the country
Portugal
Portugal's rich history is intertwined with its wines, particularly its most famous wine, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still alive today in modern Portugal. A great vacation in the heart of this country, where Port wines were born, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, climate, beautiful countryside and of course delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it was not until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Table wine from Portugal was already in high demand since the mid-17th century, mainly by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began to invest in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of red wine that were unique to the Douro Valley region of Portugal. In recent years, a small revolution has occurred in the Douro region in terms of the development of modern style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. The increase in investments, the improvement of viticultural techniques and the modernization of the industry are producing interesting results. What is unique about Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous (although sometimes unpronounceable) grape varieties. Even most wine experts aren't familiar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for around twenty years. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now paying off and the new breed of wines full of "terroir effect" and fruit are more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's native grape varieties have become its strength. Good news for those looking for a change from wines made from the ubiquitous international grape varieties. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, from east to west, from the mountains to the maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from dry, crisp whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.