Feuerheerd’s
Feuerheerd: A Toast to Tradition and Quality
Feuerheerd, an esteemed Port wine brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1815 by the German trader Dietrich Feuerheerd. Known for their quality and dedication to tradition, Feuerheerd is an exemplar in the world of Port wine, now proudly owned by the Vinihold company.
Characteristics of Feuerheerd Port
Feuerheerd creates an array of captivating Port wines, with a range of styles that include Vintage, Tawny, Ruby, and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). While each style has its unique attributes, the common thread among them is the meticulous attention to quality and tradition, much like the renowned Fonseca Port.
Feuerheerd's Ports are known for their rich, full-bodied character, marked by an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity. Their Vintage Ports exhibit a powerful depth of flavors, akin to Fonseca, including ripe dark fruit, spice, and chocolate, enhanced with time by nuanced notes of dried fruit, leather, and tobacco.
Technical Details
Feuerheerd's Port wines are crafted from a selection of the finest grape varieties native to the Douro Valley, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca. The region's rugged terrains and unique microclimates enable the growth of grapes with concentrated flavors, optimal for the production of Port wine.
The winemaking process involves traditional foot treading in lagares, followed by fermentation, which is interrupted by the addition of grape spirit, thus preserving the wine's inherent sweetness while raising its alcohol content. This time-honored method contributes significantly to the distinctive character of Feuerheerd's Ports.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Feuerheerd's Ports are notably versatile when it comes to food pairing. Vintage Ports, with their profound complexity and robust flavors, complement strong cheeses and rich chocolate desserts beautifully. Tawny Ports, displaying a more oxidative profile with flavors of dried fruits and nuts, pair harmoniously with creamy desserts, nut-based pastries, or even foie gras. Feuerheerd's Ruby and LBV Ports are superb with various cheese and fruit combinations, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy, salty, and tangy elements of a cheese board.
Vineyard Practices
Feuerheerd adheres to sustainable vineyard practices, respecting the land and the indigenous grape varieties that have thrived in the Douro Valley for centuries. The vineyard work is often done manually, given the steep and challenging nature of the terrain. Such practices allow for a harmonious relationship between the winemaking process and the natural environment, reflecting in the authentic expression of the terroir in their Ports.
Notable Vintage Years and Producers
Feuerheerd has been recognized for its outstanding vintages, with years like 1985, 1997, and 2011 being particularly noteworthy. Each vintage is a testament to the exceptional quality of the grape harvest of that year, and the adept craftsmanship of the winemakers.
Feuerheerd shares the stage in the Douro Valley with other eminent Port producers such as Fonseca, Taylor's, Graham's, and Dow's, each with its own distinct style and legacy.
Feuerheerd, with its unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, offers wine enthusiasts a taste of the Douro Valley's unique terroir in every glass. Their Ports encapsulate the dedication and artistry that is the hallmark of their brand, offering a rewarding journey of flavors and aromas with each sip.
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Álvaro van Zeller
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1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011
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Across all styles, Feuerheerd's Ports are celebrated for their balance of sweetness and acidity, their depth of flavor, and their smooth, velvety texture.
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1934 / 1951 / 1962 / 1963 / 1970 / 1977 / 1982 / 1990 / 1997 / 2001 / 2003
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Quinta de Zom
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