PRODUCER:Having celebrated their 100th year of trading in 2013, Barros Port is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious companies producing and trading in Port. Much of their success comes from Colheita Ports – old Tawnies from a single year matured in cask for a minimum period of seven years. Their expertise in Colheita Ports has established them as the standout producer of this style. Barros leaves their Colheita Ports to mature in cask until being hand bottled to order. The loss of wine from evaporation (known as the ‘Angel’s Share’) is much higher in comparison to bottle ageing. It is a sacrifice they are willing to make and one that helps them achieve unsurpassed quality in their Colheita wines. In June 2006, Barros was integrated into the Sogevinus Group who are growing the brand in international markets. VINEYARD:The vines are grown on terraces cut into the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley; they are planted along the terraces of the greatest slopes, the “Vinha ao Alto”, which translates as “vertically planted vines”. The vineyard soils are schist greywacke ante-Ordovician, with some granitic formations. This soil is rich in nutrients and has useful water retention properties. Traditionally, the vines in the region are grown low, close to the ground. The single or double Guyot and unilateral and bilateral cordons are the methods most frequently used for training the vines. Trellises are not permitted for Port Wine grapes. The grapes are manually harvested once they have reached the optimum maturity according to the variety. WINEMAKING:Barros Ruby Port was produced by the traditional Port method. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and underwent a careful skin maceration in order to obtain the necessary richness, body and fruitiness needed for a Ruby Port. Fermentation took place in ‘lagares’ and vats with constant pump overs during fermentation. Temperatures were controlled and maintained between 28 and 30°C until the desired Baumé was reached. At this moment, grape brandy was added, which is known as the ‘benefit’, resulting in a naturally sweet wine. TASTING NOTE:Deep ruby-red in colour, the wine is elegant and intense with heaps of black fruit on the nose. Strong and exuberant but with remarkable fresh fruit flavours. GRAPES:Tinta Franca 20%, Tinta Barroca 30%, Tinta Cao 20%, Tinta Roriz 30%.
