The port wine house "A. A. Ferreira", based in Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) in the Douro region, was founded in 1751. Under the leadership of the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896), who was also called "Ferreirinha" (little Ferreira), it developed into one of the largest and most important producers of port wine. First she married her cousin A. B. Ferreira, one of the richest men in Portugal. After his death, she married Francisco Torres, the manager of the Ferreira estates. After his death, she took over the management of the house. Her time also saw the purchase of the lodge (warehouse) in 1876. The company was owned by the family until 1987, when it was sold to Sogrape. The port wines come from the vineyards of the Quinta do Seixo and Quinta do Porto estates. The early maturing Vintage Ports are characterised by an often light style. Among the best products are the Tawnys Superior, Dona Antónia and the Duque de Bragança, matured for 20 years in oak barrels.
In the 1950s, the legendary Douro red wine Barca Velha was created, which is one of the best and most expensive wines in Portugal. The name refers to sailing boats that used to bring the young port wine to the warehouses. It is mainly blended from Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) with portions of Touriga Franca and other autochthonous varieties. The grapes came from Quinta do Vale Meão (which was then sold) until 1999 and then from Quinta da Leda. Traditionally, the grapes are crushed and the must fermented in lagares (stone vats). It is aged for 18 months in new French (formerly Portuguese) oak barrels. Like a Vintage Port, it is only produced in particularly outstanding years. This was the case in 1965, 1966, 1978, 1983, 1985, 1991 and 1995. In less good years, it is marketed as a second wine under "Ferreirinha Reserva Especial". A low-priced third red wine is called "Vinha Grande".
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