Barco Negro

Barco Negro
Douro | Portugal

In times past, a Barco Rabelo, known from Pinhao to Oporto as the “Barco Negro” for its black hull and sails, would sail down the River Douro at nightfall. Carefully arranged pyramids of pitch-black casks, secured with thick hemp rope, were stowed on its deck. The wine they carried was said to be darker and denser than diamond! Barco Negro is a project of Jacques & Francois Lurton in the Douro Valley of Portugal. The grape harvest comes from Quintas, which are followed throughout the year, in order to assure the quality of the grapes. They are, for the most part, located near Sabrosa and Juan de Pesquera.