Casa Ferreirinha Reserva Especial 2009 – 17th Historic Release – 1 of 18,000 Bottles – Douro DOC – 75cl

Casa Ferreirinha Reserva Especial 2009 is one of the rarest historic releases from one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine houses and belongs to the extraordinary winemaking lineage associated with the legendary Barca Velha. Reserva Especial occupies a unique position in Portuguese wine. Rather than being produced every year, it is declared only from exceptional wines capable of prolonged maturation. The wines undergo years of evaluation before Casa Ferreirinha determines their final identity, placing Reserva Especial alongside Barca Velha at the summit of the house’s Douro production. The 2009 vintage became only the 17th Reserva Especial released since the wine’s first edition in 1960, with production limited to approximately 18,000 bottles. Created under winemaker Luís Sottomayor, the 2009 is composed of 45% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, 15% Tinta Roriz and 10% Tinto Cão, sourced from Quinta da Leda and higher-altitude Douro vineyards. Following vinification, the wine underwent an extended maturation programme including approximately 16–18 months in oak before its long period of bottle ageing. Deep, powerful and complex, the wine combines mature red and black fruits with cedar, tobacco box, spice, pepper, clove and mineral notes. Its substantial structure, integrated acidity and persistent finish give it the classical longevity for which Casa Ferreirinha’s greatest reds are renowned.