Why it matters
The producer
The Ferreira family has grown grapes in the cool Teja Valley, south of the Douro River, for generations. Conceito is based in Cedovim and makes red, white and Port wines from its Douro Superior base.
Historically, Carla Costa Ferreira and her daughter, winemaker Rita Marques Ferreira, were the two women behind Conceito. Rita studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux and worked harvests in the Douro, South Africa and New Zealand. Her training included work with Denis Dubourdieu at the University of Bordeaux, Niepoort in the Douro and Flagstone in Stellenbosch.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Conceito's vineyards lie in the Teja Valley, south of the Douro River, within the cooler microclimate of the Douro Superior. They stand at elevations of 450 to 600 metres and include granite and schist soils.
High elevation can slow ripening and help preserve acidity. Granite and schist provide two distinct ground types across the vineyards, while the cooler microclimate supports a longer ripening season.
Wines to know
The range in view
Conceito makes red, white and Port wines. Legítimo is the named red wine, made from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional.
The Legítimo bottling comes from Quinta Vale de Cavalos and uses fruit from 50 year old vines planted on schist. Indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention are followed by 18 months in stainless steel vats. Historical grape interests also include Rabigato, Síria or Códega, and Bastardo.