Joćo Nicolau De Almeida & Filhos
Joćo Nicolau de Almeida, son of Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, the creator of Barca Velha, and Maria José Ramos Pinto Rosas, was born in Porto in 1949 in an absolutely vinous family context.
The destination leads him to study winemaking in France (Bordeaux and Dijon), with some of the most relevant names in the area such as Émile Peynaud, Jean Ribéreau-Gayon, among others.
He began his professional career in 1976 at Casa Ramos Pinto. Challenged by José Ramos Pinto Rosas, then administrator of the House, develops a series of studies that would revolutionize the viticultural approach of the Douro region. He introduced the vineyard plantation to the top and its mechanization, irrigation systems and conducted a study of the Douro castes, proposing a selection of five grapes recommended for the region, now widely cultivated. All this work was done not only to think about the quality of the wines of Porto, but also the development of Douro wines. In 1990 it launches the first harvest of Duas Quintas, one of the first Douro wines to be recognized nationally and internationally as a wine of excellence.
In 2000 he accumulated the functions of director of oenology with that of administrator of Casa Ramos Pinto.
At the same time, in 1993, Joćo Nicolau de Almeida began the process of building Quinta do Monte Xisto, together with his sons. Today, after 40 years of work and dedication to the Douro region and Casa Ramos Pinto, he continues his work through Joćo Nicolau de Almeida & Filhos.