About 50 kilometers from Lisbon, the Casa Ermelinda winery is located in the small village of Fernando Po. Since 1920, this winery has been producing exceptionally fine wines. The company has grown not only in size but also in quality. They have created a perfect blend of quality, sufficient tension, and a good price. Today, the fourth generation is at the helm. Like many Portuguese wineries, the vineyards are unique. Nowhere else in the world do native grapes have such a large footprint as in Portugal. In addition to regional vines like Touriga Nacional and Alicante Bouschet, they have also introduced internationally renowned varieties like Syrah. Today, the vineyard has 140 hectares of vines, the majority of which are red grape varieties, with only about ten percent planted with white varieties.
And they're more than happy to make room for the Chardonnay grapes. Chardonnay grapes thrive in the Douro region. Only the finest juice is good enough for Casa Ermelinda Freitas' wines. Therefore, the grapes are only harvested when they are perfectly ripe. A strict selection process follows. The vinification process is carried out with passion, expertise, and dedication. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The wine is then transferred to wooden barrels, where it ages for several months.
The Flor de la Mar Barrel Aged Chardonnay emerges with a straw-yellow color. The aroma reveals distinct fruity aromas intertwined with floral notes. The palate offers abundant tropical fruit, complemented by soft honey notes. This gives the wine a round and complete character. This oak-aged Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood or salmon.
