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Warre’s Port Winery Guide
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Last updated: April 18, 2024
Winery Overview
Warre’s holds the distinction of being the oldest British firm known for shipping Port, with records that date back to the 1670s. John Clark is the oldest known member of the company, later followed by Thornton and finally joined by William Warre in 1729. Before Mr. Warre came on board, the company steadily grew as the demand for Port increased after the Methuen Treaty was signed in 1703. This treaty confirmed that England would defend Portugal in the war of Spanish succession. In exchange for preferential treatment for English textiles, it was agreed that the duty on Portuguese wines would be a third less than that levied on France.
William Warre, a new resident to Oporto in the same year of 1729, had been born in 1706 at Fort St. George in Madras, India. He became a partner in the Port company, and from then on, it was known as “Messrs Clarke, Thornton, and Warre.” Mr. Warre was the first British national to acquire land in Vila Nova da Gaia, across the river from Oporto, where the heart of the shipping business was to be established (and today, wine lovers can visit the beautiful historic lodges). Warre married Elisabeth Whitehead, the sister of John Whitehead, architect of the famed Factory House and the Consul in Oporto.
Andrew Symington arrived from Scotland in the 1880s. He worked alongside the Warre family until he finally took shares in the company in 1912, with financial hardship brought on by years of political instability and by prohibitive laws introduced (including the “Lei do Terco” or “Law of three” in the 1950s, which required each shipper to retain stocks of three times the amount they put up for sale). This wiped out plenty of wineries, forcing the Warre to sell the remaining shares to the Symingtons. As a result, Warre now forms part of the largest privately owned group in the port wine industry, which is wholly owned by the Symington Family.
Wines produced
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Warre's Heritage Ruby Port
A blend of traditional Douro varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Fancesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cao. Aged in oak cask for 3 years before bottling. 19% Alc. -
Warre's King's Tawny
Warre’s Kings Tawny is a three-year-old blend, which is less intensely colored and lighter in style than the ruby. Through selective and skilful blending it brings together the youthful fruit aromas of young wines and the fine balance and mellowness achieved through maturation in oak cask. 19% Alc. -
Warre's Fine White
100% fermented off the skins, made with traditional Douro varietals including Arinto, Codega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato and Viosinho. Aged in oak casks for 3 years before bottling. 19% Alc. -
Warre's Warrior Port
The oldest brand of port in the world. Classic Port varietals are used and after aging for 4-5 years in Vilanova de Gaia at the Port lodge, the wines are drawn off and filtered lightly before bottling. 19% Alc. -
Warre's Otima
Aged 10 year old Tawny Port made with classic Douro grape varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Fancesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cao. Aged in oak casks for 10 years in Vilanova de Gaia, before bottling. 20% Alc. -
Warre's Sir William 10 year Old Tawny
Named after Sir William Warre, born in 1784, who fought in the Peninsular campaigns under the Duke of Wellington. This Port is made with the classic varietals, and then aged for minimum 10 years in the beautiful lodge. 20% Alc. -
Warre's 20 Year Old Tawny Port
Considered to be the Flagship wine, renowned the world over as one of the best Tawny Ports in existence. Skillfully blended with the best quality ports at least 20 years old, the result being delicious nutty and luscious. 20% Alc. -
Warre's Traditional LBV
The Warre's LBV is matured for 9 years before release, unusual and extremely high quality. Made from classic varietals, the wine is aged in seasoned oak casks for 4 years when it is then bottled unfined and unfiltered. After this, the wine is further aged for 9 years in bottle, critical to achieve the desired quality. Top class. -
Warre's Quinta da Cavadinha
Made from the wine produced at a Single Quinta Estate, a premium 40 hectare property in the Pinhão valley in the Alto Douro. The vines are minimum 25 years old, and are all classified as "Grade A". One of the best Ports in Warre's Portfolio.
Winery Contact Details
Warre’s Port
Forrester, 86. Apartado 26Vila Nova de Gaia, 4401
Portugal
Email: [email protected]
Tel +351 22 3776301
Fax Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Port
Founded
1670
Area under Vine
Age of vines
Oak barrel origin
Winemaker
Peter and Charles Symington
Owner
Symington Family
Production
150,000 cases
Grape varietals
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Fancesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, Arinto, Codega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato and Viosinho.
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Arinto
Arinto is a versatile white wine grape variety known for its crisp acidity, citrus, green apple flavors, and a mineral finish
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Códega
Códega is a white grape from Portugal, specifically the Douro Valley region. It is one of the essential grapes used in Port wines but has also gained recognition as a standalone varietal. Códega grapes are known for their thin skins and high acidity, which contribute to the fresh and crisp character of the resulting wines.
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Malvasia Fina
Explore the allure of Malvasía de Rioja grape. Uncover its origins, tasting notes, and its contribution to the exquisite wines of Rioja.
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Rabigato
Discover the unique and versatile Rabigato grape, and learn about its history, characteristics, and food pairings.
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Viosinho
Learn all about the Vioshino grape, its rich history, unique flavor profile, and food pairings. Don't miss out on this exciting grape variety! 🍇🍷 #VioshinoGrape
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Tinta Barroca
Tinta Barroca is one of the most common red wine grapes grown primarily in the Douro region in northern Portugal.
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Tinta Cao
Uncover Tinta Cão, the treasured Portuguese red wine grape. A vital Port Wine blend, embodying Portugal's winemaking legacy with grace.
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Tinta Roriz (Aragonês)
Discover the versatile grape: Spain's Tempranillo, and in Portugal, Aragonês and Tinta Roriz (Douro Valley). Embrace the rich cultural tapestry of this beloved varietal.
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Touriga Franca (Touriga Francesa)
Touriga Franca is a red grape variety known for producing wines with intense color and aromas of dark fruits and flowers. It's often used in Port wine blends and can also make complex, full-bodied still wines
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Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional red varietal is a dark-skinned grape predominately grown in Douro and Dão. In the Douro, it is used as a blending grape in Port wines.
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Winery Appellations
Author
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More information
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