A Port milestone !

The barco rabelo (a small skiff used for the Port transportation) loaded with 40 to 50 pipes, that on that time (17th century), due to whirpools, exaggerated weight and strong tides it sank for lots of times during those brave journeys.

DALVA´s boat at the end of the annual race
In 1887 with the railway construction, the Rabelo started to be less used.
Since the 16th century till May 1971 (when the last tryp was made) there were constructed about 300 skiffs on total.

Nowadays the transportation is made by cistern trucks, but without the Rabelo, on that time it would be impossible to transport Port to the important seaport where we have now the Port wine cellars... and ship it to England and abroad.

By now we are still able so see the Rabelo skiffs on a race exhibition on St. John´s day (24 of June) or even anchored along the lodges shore.

Using C. da Silva Port Tongs

How to decant Vintage Port ?
The main objective is to enhance the tasting, from its visual appearance, taste and aroma. First of all, some accessories needed... a decanter washed with mineral water, a piece of cheesecloth, a funnel, Port tongs, water and a stove.

C. da Silva Port tongs
The traditional way is to leave the bottle standing up for a couple of days and pull out the protective cap and the cork without twisting or moving the bottle. (In the case of Vintage Port with some decades of aging, where excessive moisture causes wear of the stopper, should be used Port tongs).

First step is to place the iron side of the Port tongs into the hot stove, until it turn incandescent, than just need to put it 1 cm above the cork, firmly, about 60 to 90 seconds, take it off and than a little bit of water will cause the instant reaction, by breaking itself. Grabbing the bottle, gently, start to poor it for the decanter, that on the top will have the cheesecloth inside of the funnel, ensuring that the finer and smaller sediments and eventually glass will spend to the decanter.
DALVA Vintage 1994
This ceremony not only keeps the Port drinkable for 3 or 4 days but will also aerate the nectar.
As a extremely quality wine, the Port will continue to evolve in the glass, that if possible should the official Port wine glass, designed in 2001 by Álvaro Siza Vieira (the most famous portuguese architect).

As an pairing for Vintage, desserts made with red fruits, blue or spicy cheeses, dark chocolate and game. Serving between at 16ºC to 18ºC.

Gonçalo Devesas

DALVA Imperial Port wine

The uniqueness of the Golden Whites has started long time ago with the Imperial White Port Special Reserve Vintage 1917.


C. da Silva has carried the seal of long time supplier to the Royal House, therefore the reason of the word "Imperial" in the label of  the very old Ports that emerged in the first two decades of the twentieth century.
Since the very beginning the main goal of this traditional Port wine Company was to conquer a market of unusual, authentic and distintive Port.

It was the reputation of this wines that made C. da Silva a well known Port Company, wich has earned several prizes from that time untill nowadays.

Blended and single harvest Port wines aging permanently in 2900 oak casks, with about 250 to 730 liters, untill their bottling date.

DALVA SUNRISE and SUNSET 2010

Following the enormous success of the DALVA DOC Branco RESERVA 2009, C. da Silva launched the DALVA SUNRISE Colheita 2010 a light, fresh and very aromatic wine ideal for an aperitif and combined with salads or grilled fish.

Fabulous 3D presentation with two overlaped labels.



DALVA DOC SUNRISE 2010
Nevertheless...more to come, remember... after the SUNRISE there´s always the ???

The DALVA SUNSET Reserva 2010... structure, massive complexity and freshness with floral aromas, perfect for any moment !!
Complex, with a aromatic wealth, evokes moments of contemplation and sharing and the magic of the appearance of the stars.

The overlaped labels where inspired in the Douro valley, the river, the slopes, the stairways to heaven...a rainbow of colors.


DALVA DOC SUNSET 2010
Bottles ilustrated by the artistic eye of the Master Julio Resende, contemplating the Douro.

The Rabelo´s boat race

Every year on St. John´s day (June 24th), it takes place a official initiative of the Port wine Brotherhood, all the Port wine brands compete in a race with the ancient "rabelo" boat, that was the old transportation for the Port wine barrels, in those brave journeys from the Douro Valley till Vila Nova de Gaia.
(CEO´s of each cellar make part of the crew too)

These boats were replaced by train and cistern trucks in May 1971, now we may see the old "rabelo" skiff in the Douro river only for decor.
The race started in Afurada´s seaport and the finish line was in Ribeira, near to the bridge of  D. Luís, in front of the Port wine warehouses, both shores of the Douro river were crowded, thousands of people.
The 27th race had a special moment, it was the first time that DALVA´s boat was racing, side by side with it´s partner the GRAN CRUZ´s boat.

This year the winner was CALÉM, nice race !!!
CONGRATULATIONS !!