The grapes for the Conceito Bastardo (also known as Trousseau Noir or Trousseau) is sourced from a very small, old block of vines at Quinta da Veiga. Normally in the Douro one finds a field blend of a mixture of grape varieties in any one vineyard. However this single varietal block was originally planted because the Bastardo produces higher sugar levels, prized by Port shippers, thus used to attract a high price. Bastardo was once the most widely planted grape variety in the Douro but it is now a real rarity.

The grapes for the Conceito Bastardo are transported to the cellar in 25 kg boxes, treading is by foot in granite lagares with no de-stemming. The wine is then aged for 10 months in used French barrels.

Rita Marques Ferriera says of the Conceito Bastardo, “I don’t really understand Bastardo. We just put the grapes with the stems in the lagar and crush them. It just happens. It’s not a big deal.” A bit of an understatement perhaps. “What I most appreciate, respect and seek in a wine is its authenticity, its purity.”

Conceito Bastardo is an unusual pale cherry colour with aromas of lifted floral notes (rose), hints of white pepper, cloves, liquorice and fruits of the forest. The aromas on the nose follow onto the palate with more cherry, cranberry and chocolate flavours with a lingering and clean finish.