Ferreirinha, Casa
Summary
Casa Ferreirinha, established in 1751 and now owned by Sogrape Vinhos, produces traditional Douro Valley wines from indigenous varieties across three subregions, with their flagship 160-hectare Quinta da Leda estate featuring schist soils and elevations between 150-400 meters. Their winemaking balances traditional methods like foot-treading in granite lagares with modern techniques, creating historically significant wines like Barca Velha—Portugal's first premium unfortified Douro wine, released only in exceptional vintages since 1952.
Heritage & Leadership
Casa Ferreirinha traces its origins to 1751 when the Ferreira family established their wine business in the Douro Valley. The producer takes its name from Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896), affectionately known as "Ferreirinha" (little Ferreira), who expanded the family's vineyard holdings during the 19th century despite the challenges of phylloxera and political instability. Under her leadership, the estate grew to become one of the Douro's largest landowners.
In 1987, Sogrape Vinhos acquired Casa Ferreirinha, integrating it into Portugal's largest family-owned wine company while maintaining its distinct identity. The current winemaking team is led by Luis Sottomayor, who has directed Casa Ferreirinha's operations since 2003. Sottomayor oversees both the table wines and the Porto production, continuing the legacy of Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, who created Barca Velha in 1952, Portugal's first premium unfortified Douro wine.
Vineyards & Wines
Casa Ferreirinha sources grapes from vineyards across the three subregions of the Douro Valley: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior. The flagship estate, Quinta da Leda, comprises 160 hectares in the Douro Superior near the Spanish border. This property features schist soils with varying exposures and elevations ranging from 150 to 400 meters above sea level.
The vineyards are planted predominantly with traditional Douro varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. At Quinta da Leda, the vines average 25 years in age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years.
Casa Ferreirinha produces a structured portfolio of wines, from the accessible Esteva and Planalto to the premium single-quinta wines. The top-tier Barca Velha is produced only in exceptional vintages (fewer than 20 releases since 1952) and is aged for at least five years before release. Other significant wines include Reserva Especial (produced when conditions don't meet Barca Velha standards) and Quinta da Leda, a single-estate expression.
Philosophy & Practice
Casa Ferreirinha maintains a dual commitment to tradition and innovation in its winemaking approach. The production team employs both traditional foot-treading in granite lagares for certain premium wines and modern temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation for others. This balance allows for precise extraction and preservation of the fruit character while honoring historical methods.
Oak aging is a defining element of Casa Ferreirinha's winemaking, with specific protocols for each wine. The flagship Barca Velha spends approximately 18 months in new French oak barrels, followed by extended bottle aging before release. For white wines, the team utilizes a combination of stainless steel and used oak to maintain freshness while adding complexity.
The winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the distinctive terroir of the Douro Valley through indigenous varieties. Rather than pursuing international styles, Casa Ferreirinha focuses on wines that reflect the region's unique conditions. This approach includes careful vineyard management to address the challenges of the Douro's steep slopes and hot, dry climate, with increasing attention to water conservation techniques in response to climate change.