Ermelinda Freitas was born and raised in Fernando Pó, a village in the Península de Setúbal wine region. Together with her husband, she ran a winery that produced and bottled wine for other producers. In 1997, she and her daughter Leonor decided to start producing and bottling wines under the name Casa Ermelinda Freitas. Leonor is now the fourth generation at the helm. In 2010, significant investments were made in a new winery with large production and storage capacity. The vineyards cover 240 hectares, 160 of which are planted with the Castelão grape variety. 60 hectares are planted with the red grape varieties Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, and 20 hectares with the white grape varieties Fernão Pires, Arinto, Antão Vaz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, and Viognier. Due to the vineyards' prime location, Casa Ermelinda Freitas is considered by many to be the best wine producer in the region. The wines win numerous national and international awards each year.
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by twelve months of French oak aging and a minimum of eight months of bottle aging. Flor de la Mar Reserva Tinto has a beautiful dark purple-red color, and the aroma beautifully combines aromas of ripe red fruit, wood, and spices. The palate is rich, full, and robust with softly integrated tannins, gentle wood notes, and spiciness, followed by a long, rich finish. Delicious with rich meat dishes, stews, game, and robust, hard cheeses.
