Esteva is part of the range of wines produced by renowned winemaker Casa Ferreirinha. Recognized as the brand with the greatest tradition for making top quality Douro wines and Casa Ferreirinha is renowned as a standard-bearer for this region throughout the world. Despite being in the heart of Port country, they only produce still wines, but the quality they produce is second to none. The pinnacle of their range is Barca Velha which has less than 20 vintages created since 1952 as the wine is only produced in truly exceptional years. Such is the attention to detail that in early vintages before electricity had not reach the valley, ice cubes were packed in straw and taken to the cellars on the back of donkeys to ensure the wood vats were kept cool. The blend of grapes here is classic of the Duoro region; 40% Tinta Roriz – better known as Tempranillo, 30% Tinta Barroca, 20% Touriga Franca & 10% Touriga Nacional. After crushing the grapes were fermented in stainless steel vats, under controlled temperature at 25°C in order to preserve the grape aromas. The result of the attention to detail is superb value for money with floral notes, balsamic aromas of cedar and red fruits like strawberry and cherry followed by well integrated acidity giving exceptional freshness and vivacity, polished tannins and floral aromas
