Douro Wine Company

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Douro Wine Company

The Douro Wine Company (Portuguese: Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro) is a historic Portuguese company established in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo. The company was created to regulate the production and trade of Port wine in the Douro Valley region, which is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world.

History

The Douro Wine Company was founded during a period of economic reform in Portugal. The Marquis of Pombal sought to improve the quality and reputation of Portuguese wines, particularly Port wine, which had become increasingly popular in Great Britain. The company's establishment marked the beginning of a regulated wine industry in the Douro Valley, with strict controls on production, pricing, and export.

Functions

The primary functions of the Douro Wine Company included:

• Demarcating the Douro wine region by setting boundaries for the production of Port wine.
• Classifying vineyards based on the quality of their grapes.
• Regulating the production process to ensure high standards.
• Controlling the pricing and export of Port wine to prevent market manipulation and ensure fair trade practices.

Impact

The creation of the Douro Wine Company had a significant impact on the wine industry in Portugal. It helped to standardize the quality of Port wine, which in turn boosted its reputation and demand internationally. The company's regulations also protected the interests of small vineyard owners by preventing the monopolization of the market by larger producers.

Modern Era

In the modern era, the Douro Wine Company's legacy continues to influence the wine industry in the Douro Valley. The region remains a key area for the production of high-quality Port wine, and the principles of regulation and quality control established by the company are still in practice today.

See Also

• Port wine
• Douro Valley
• Marquis of Pombal
• Wine production in Portugal