Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas 2019 Red

€ 39.96

Casa Ferreirinha was a very small brand when it was founded by Bernardo Ferreirinha in the 18th century. Today, however, it is one of the most established wine names in Portugal with one of the most iconic wines to its name, Barca Velha. Purchased by Sogrape in 1987, it has 520 hectares of Douro vineyard in all its three sub-regions: Lower Corgo, Upper Corgo and Douro Superior. The winemaking is led by Luis Sottomayor, who tames the natural exuberance of the Douro to produce wines with a freshness, such as Esteva and Papa Figos, combined with a beautiful depth and texture, such as Vinha Grande Tinto and Quinta da Leda.

Deep ruby in colour. On the nose, intense and elegant aromas of fresh red and black fruits are married with spicy notes of pepper and cinnamon and hints of balsamic. On the palate, smooth and polished tannins create a velvety mouth feel, and a bright acidity carries the intense flavours onto the long and elegant finish.

'Castas Escondidas' translates as 'hidden varieties' and showcases some of the lesser known grape varieties of the Douro Valley: Touriga Fêmea, Tinta Francisca, Marufo and the marvellously named Bastardo - the Portuguese name for the Jura's Trousseau. Luís sourced the grapes from a range of vineyard sites in the Douro Superior and Cima Corgo from a combination of Casa Ferreirinha- owned vineyards and trusted growers, with whom he has worked for many years. He also included a significant proportion of fruit from old, low-yielding, field-blend plots in the blend.

Food pairing

The ideal companion with roast goat meat, rich meat dishes and game such as venison, also delicious with meat or fatty fish baked in the oven.

Grapes: 18% Old Vine Field Blend, 18% Tinta Amarela, 15% Touriga Femea, 14% Tinta Francisca, 12% Tinto Cão, 10% Touriga Nacional, 9% Touriga Franca, 2% Bastardo & 2% Marufo Tinto

Alcoholic fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats. It matures for approximately 18 months in used French oak barrels. Based on the selections made during the numerous tests and analyses carried out during this period, the final batch is prepared. In order to maintain the highest quality, it is only subjected to filtration before bottling.

Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas Red 2019 is the latest release from the emblematic Douro wine brand. A special wine, with grape varieties hidden by time, but with enormous potential to show the true terroir of the region. Castas Escondidas is part of the brand’s commitment to launching “specialties”, wines that can highlight the diverse potential of their terroirs and the exuberance of the variety of grape varieties grown in the demarcated Douro region.

In this wine, Casa Ferreirinha highlights lesser-known grape varieties that may even disappear over time, such as Touriga-Fêmea, Tinta Francisca, Bastardo and Marufo. These are grape varieties that have been grown in the Douro for several generations and are usually used in Port wine, which testify to a biodiversity and potential that must be preserved. Tinta Amarela, Tinto Cão, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Old Vineyard help to complete the mix of this new “specialty” of the brand, which once again demonstrates innovation in creating unusual wines, thus guaranteeing the character of the region.

Alcoholcontent

13,5 %vol

Store & Serve

Decant. Serve between 16-18ºC.

To drink from now until 13 years after harvest year

Critics & Awards

4,2/5 - Vivino (860 ratings)

18/20 - Grandes Escolhas Tasted: Feb 2023

92/100 - Wine Enthusiast Tasted: May 2023

A blend that includes some rarer grapes such as Rufete, the wine is structured and still firm. Its tannins and richness are both solid but promise ripe black tannins and dark-berry flavors. The wine needs to age, drink from 2025.

Tags: Casa Ferreirinha - Douro