Henriques & Henriques
Summary
Henriques & Henriques is an independent Madeira producer established in 1850, operating modern facilities in Câmara de Lobos while maintaining 10 hectares of terraced vineyards on volcanic soils where they cultivate traditional varieties including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Their production balances traditional canteiro aging with modern estufagem techniques, supported by extensive aging stocks dating to the mid-19th century and a fractional blending system that maintains consistency while preserving their historical house style.
Heritage & Leadership
Henriques & Henriques was established in 1850 by João Joaquim Henriques as a commercial partnership that formalized a family winemaking tradition dating back to the 1750s. The company began as a family-owned enterprise in Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village west of Funchal on Madeira island. Following João Joaquim's death in 1877, the company passed to his sons Francisco Eduardo and João Joaquim Henriques Júnior, who renamed it Henriques & Henriques.
A significant transition occurred in 1992 when the company changed from a family-owned business to a corporation, with investment from the Madeira Wine Company. However, Henriques & Henriques remains an independent producer. In 1995, the company moved to modern facilities in Câmara de Lobos, where it continues to operate today. Humberto Jardim serves as the company's CEO and winemaker, having joined in 1993 and guided the company through its modernization while maintaining traditional production methods.
Vineyards & Wines
Henriques & Henriques distinguishes itself among Madeira producers by owning significant vineyard holdings, with approximately 10 hectares at Quinta Grande in Câmara de Lobos. These vineyards are planted primarily on terraced slopes at elevations between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. The volcanic soils provide excellent drainage and mineral content for the vines.
The company works with the traditional Madeira grape varieties: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual (Boal), and Malvasia (Malmsey), along with Tinta Negra, which comprises the majority of plantings on the island. Their wine portfolio includes Single Harvest Colheitas, Vintage-dated wines, and age-indicated blends (10-year, 15-year, 20-year, and 30-year). The company also produces a range of younger wines including 3-year-old blends and specialty products like Rainwater Madeira.
Henriques & Henriques maintains one of the island's most extensive stocks of aging Madeira wines, with barrels dating back to the mid-19th century housed in their lodge.
Philosophy & Practice
Henriques & Henriques adheres to traditional Madeira winemaking methods while incorporating modern technology to ensure quality and consistency. The company employs both the canteiro and estufagem aging systems. In the canteiro method, wines age naturally in casks stored in warm attics where they undergo gradual oxidation and concentration. For the estufagem process, the company uses temperature-controlled tanks to heat the wine to approximately 45°C for three months, accelerating the aging process.
The company's winemaking facility in Câmara de Lobos features stainless steel fermentation tanks with temperature control systems, allowing for precise management of the fermentation process. Henriques & Henriques practices fractional blending, where older wines are combined with younger ones to maintain house style and complexity.
Quality control remains paramount, with regular tasting and analysis throughout the aging process. The company's approach balances respect for Madeira's winemaking traditions with technological advancements that enhance precision and efficiency. This commitment to quality has established Henriques & Henriques as a significant producer in Madeira's wine industry, with distribution extending to markets worldwide.
