Why it matters
The producer
Real Companhia Velha was founded on 10 September 1756 by royal charter of King José I under the Marquis of Pombal. Its board implemented the Pombaline demarcation of the Douro Valley between 1758 and 1761. The Silva Reis family has managed the company since 1960, concentrating on Port and Douro DOC wines.
The company owns 557 hectares of vineyards across five Alto Douro estates: Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de Cidrô, Quinta dos Aciprestes, Quinta do Casal da Granja and Quinta do Síbio. Quinta de Cidrô contains 140 hectares of vertically planted vineyard, harvested by hand. Its practices include varietal-specific plots, increased planting density, drip irrigation, and grass-and-legume cover crops. Quinta do Síbio uses organic viticulture and preserves old Douro varieties, including some considered at risk of extinction.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes Royal Oporto Tawny 10 Years, Quinta dos Aciprestes Douro Tinto 2021, Dandy Tinto and Dandy Branco. Dandy is conceived as fresh, light, lower-alcohol and easy-drinking Douro wine.
Dandy Tinto 2023 combines 60% Tinta Roriz, 30% Tinta Francisca and 10% Viosinho. The 2021 Dandy Tinto carried cherry, raspberry, white flowers and green hints, with a light, vibrant palate and smooth tannins. That vintage spent eight months in used large French-oak vats.