Real Companhia Velha is Portugal’s oldest wine company, with a history spanning over 260 years of port production. Founded in 1756 by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal, it was originally established as the Douro Wine Company to regulate the trade and production of all port wine. One of its first official duties was to delineate the boundaries of the Douro wine region, effectively creating the world’s first regional appellation. Today, Real Companhia Velha manages some of the most prestigious Quintas in the Douro, balancing centuries-old traditions with modern viticulture and winemaking techniques.

Viticulture

His Eminence’s Choice, the most distinguished of all Delaforce Ports, is made from grapes hand-harvested in mid-September. The fruit is carefully transported in small trays to preserve its integrity, sourced from the best areas of the Douro Port region.

Winemaking

The wine is created from a careful selection of reserve Ports, blended after full tasting and examination each year. These reserves mature for many years in seasoned casks in Vila Nova de Gaia, allowing the wine to develop its signature balance, harmony, and elegance.

Tasting Note

This ten-year-old tawny Port is rich and sumptuous, combining jammy, ripe fruit aromas with the mellow complexity of oak ageing. The palate is round, elegant, and well-balanced, displaying the classic Delaforce house style.

Food Matching

Best enjoyed with blue cheese, mature cheddar, nuts, or chocolate-based desserts.

Awards

Wine Advocate: 89 Points – Balanced with enough grip and a lingering, flavoursome finish.
Wine Spectator: 89 Points – Fresh and minerally, with plum tart, cherry pie, tangerine hints, and a flinty finish.
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points – Excellent balance of fruit and acidity, a textbook example of a ten-year-old tawny.

Technical Details

Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

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