DFJ VINHOS was created in 1998, has 250 ha of vineyards, mainly in the wine region of Lisbon. Today it’s very proud of how far it has come: the Portuguese company exports more than 99% of the 8 million bottles produced annually to more than 50 countries. Most target the middle segment with a highly competitive pricing strategy with rich and elegant wines full of flavor.
Mr. José Neiva Correia is the owner of the company and the chief winemaker, producing wines since 1974. José Neiva Correia had three training ports: Dois Portos in Portugal, Gesenheim in Germany and Bordeaux in France. This allowed him to discover different methods of production, to compare them and to be inspired later to make his own wines. Today, he’s no more wine consultant like in the 80’s and 90’s when he’s been responsible for around 10% of the Portuguese production.
José Neiva Correia born at home’s family in the middle of a vineyard and today it’s home continues being in the middle of a Pinot Noir vineyard near of the Atlantic. It’s a descendant of several generations of winegrowers and it has followed the family tradition. However, he has never stopped doing research, inventing ways to modernize his work and improve the quality of wines, or creating solutions for winemakers from here and elsewhere. His wines respond to modern issues, both from the point of view of consumers and producers.
In 1974 he begin working with Mr. Octavio Pato, one of the best Portuguese winemakers in the 60s, 70s and 80s. With this experience and his laboratory work, José Neiva Correia learned how to analyze wine, water, earth, leaves, etc., and all this has allowed him to deepen his knowledge. He is particularly distinguished thanks to a patent, the first method really effective of disinfecting corks.
The climate in the Lisboa (Lisbon) wine region is temperate, soft, with rain and humidity during the appropriate season. However the many valleys and hills in this region give rise to the most diverse microclimates. The quality and characteristics of the soil also vary leading to different terroirs. Finally, the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates the climate so that there is little variation in temperature, with moderate Winters and Summers, and the nocturnal dew leads to a long and regular maturation.
The 250 hectares of vineyards owned by DFJ VINHOS, mostly in the Lisboa wine region are prepared for mechanical grape picking (12 to 15 ha/day), in order to avoid the Equinox (September 21st), when 90% rain is predicted.
In the DFJ VINHOS vineyards the plants are fed with organic material produced from domestic residue previously tested for heavy metals. The nutrition of the vines is done in a rational way without excesses or deficiencies. The soils are analyzed to determine the organic material necessary to help the vine’s needs.
The final result is high quality production well above the average production in Portugal.
All the wine is made in accordance with the client’s wishes and the demands of the market in matters of taste. This results from several years of partnerships with foreign distributors, namely the British market, one of the most demanding and difficult of world markets, the first that DFJ VINHOS begin to work.
DFJ uses only French oak barrels bought from Seguin Moreau and restores them in its own cooperage.
Quinta da Fonte Bela – Cathedral of the Wine
Located in Vila Chã de Ourique – Cartaxo, 80 km north of the city of Lisbon, it is a unique centennial property. Most of the buildings belong to the so-called “Cast-iron architecture” used in the second half of the 19th century by the followers of Eiffel. All the facilities were designed by engineers of the atelier of Eiffel, who at the time were in Portugal to design public works, such as the Santa Justa elevator in Lisbon and the D. Luís Bridge in Porto. The owner of the Quinta at the time (António Francisco Ribeiro Ferreira) took advantage of the presence of these engineers and commissioned the plans of what would become the center of his agricultural activity. The first building came to be the cellar completed in 1897. The exterior architecture is also unique in Portugal because it is characteristic of southern France and Balearic Islands that were certainly the origin of engineers.
Also known as the Cathedral of Wine, Quinta da Fonte Bela is composed of several buildings, among which we find the headquarters of the DFJ where are the offices, a vinification center, a bottling line, warehouses, a cellar with capacity for 9.3 millions of liters, cooperage, laboratory and living room. All in a total of 17,197 m 2 and a covered area of 8,063 m 2 .
DFJ WINES received 564 awards in 2019 including 38 trophies and 197 gold medals. Since 2010 won 3145 awards.
“Mr. José Neiva Correia, owner and chief winemaker of the company, stated that: “We are very proud because it is an excellent recognition of the effort of our working group that every day strives to get the best price and quality in all our wines. They aren’t an end in themselves, but they are a strong recognition of our work, helping those who work with us around the world to get the message to their customers of the excellence of our work.”
This 3rd Session of CHINA AWARDS 2020, DFJ VINHOS has been recognized and awarded 15 Gold Medals and 6 Silver Medals Awards:
PORTADA Winemakers Selection white 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Fruity, young, refreshing wine, where you can feel the aroma and tasting of apples and citrus fruits. Very tasty, pleasant, soft wine, easy to drink, great for day-to-day.
PORTADA Winemaker’s Selection ROSÉ 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Bright, fragrant, with notes of apple and ripe red fruits. Very tasty, refreshing, elegant, soft, great for daily consumption.
CASA do LAGO WHITE 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Aromatic and full-bodied, with notes of apple, which make this wine delicious and refreshing.
PORTADA MEDIUM SWEET ROSÉ 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Intense fruit aroma, sweet and crunchy, with fresh and subtle flavors of strawberries and raspberries.
PAXIS MEDIUM DRY RED 2018 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Classic method of fermentation in steel deposits, with destemming and pre-fermentative skin contact followed by application of active dry yeasts. Fermentation at 30ºC in the first 2/3, and dropping to 20ºC during the last 1/3. During the entire fermentation process, 2 daily reassemblies are carried out using in each of them half the volume contained in the vat. After alcoholic fermentation, the blanket is dipped for 30 days, during which the smooth tannins are extracted, malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization of the wine.
Paxis Medium Dry has a ruby color, very fruity and aromatic. In the tasting it is a very balanced, fruity, tasty, elegant wine that gives great pleasure.
PAXIS MEDIUM DRY WHITE 2018 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Fruity, young, refreshing wine, where the aroma and taste of apples and citrus can be felt. Very tasty, pleasant, soft wine, easy to drink, great for day-to-day.
PAXIS RED BLEND (Bulldog) 2018
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Classic fermentation method with destemming and pre-fermentative skin contact followed by application of active dry yeasts. Fermentation at 30ºC in the first 2/3, and dropping to 20ºC during the last 1/3. During the entire fermentation process, 2 daily reassemblies are made, using in each of them half the volume contained in the vat. After alcoholic fermentation, the blanket is dipped for 30 days, during which the smooth tannins are extracted, malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization of the wine.
A delicious wine. Although the palate is quite concentrated, it has a surprisingly smooth character. It is a full-bodied wine and is full of aromas of black cherries, raspberries and notes of spices. The finish is elegant and persistent.
PAXIS ROSÉ BLEND (Bulldog) 2019
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Intense fruit aroma, sweet and crunchy, with fresh and subtle flavors of strawberries and raspberries.
VEGA DOC DOURO red 2018 – DOC DOURO
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Classic fermentation method with destemming and pre-fermentative skin contact followed by application of active dry yeasts. Fermentation at 30ºC in the first 2/3, and dropping to 20ºC during the last 1/3. During the entire fermentation process, 2 daily reassemblies are carried out using in each of them half the volume contained in the vat. After alcoholic fermentation, the blanket is dipped for 30 days, during which the smooth tannins are extracted, malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization of the wine.
Bright ruby color, aromatic, complex and full-bodied, structured but smooth. Voluptuous, it fills the mouth, has a long, intense, persistent and elegant finish.
DFJ Alvarinho & Chardonnay white 2018
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Complex, full-bodied, fresh and tasty. The tasting is intense, with notes of apples and lemon, very persistent and refreshing. João Paulo Martins; Wines of Portugal 2016; “Good aroma, the focus goes to citrus notes here in association with light notes of white flower, more evident Chardonnay than Arinto. Good volume in the mouth, fine and with a very lively acidity, here citrus notes especially prevail, we have a exquisite white, with a highly convenient price, due to the quality. For soft-cooked fish. ”
DFJ Touriga Nacional & Touriga Franca red 2018
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Classic fermentation method with destemming and pre fermentative skin contact followed of the application of dry yeasts. Fermentation up to 30º C in the first 2/3, and lowering down to 20º C during the last 1/3. During the whole fermentative process, pumping over 2 times per day, using each time half of the volume contained in the vat. After the alcoholic fermentation, the cap is plunged for 30 days, and during that period, extraction of the gentle tannins is conducted, along with the malolactic fermentation and the natural stabilization of the wine.
That’s your everyday wine. Medium body, light alcohol volume, ruby bright colour, with red matured fruit flavours. Smooth, tasty and easy to drink, with an elegant, intense and long pleasant finish in the tasting.
GRAND`ARTE SPECIAL SELECTION red 2014
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Classic fermentation method with destemming and pre-fermentative skin contact followed by application of active dry yeasts. Fermentation at 30ºC in the first 2/3, and dropping to 20ºC during the last 1/3. During the entire fermentation process, 2 daily reassemblies are carried out using in each of them half the volume contained in the vat. After alcoholic fermentation, the blanket is dipped for 30 days, during which the smooth tannins are extracted, malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization of the wine.
A great wine for special occasions.João Paulo Martins; Wines of Portugal 2016; “Tasted again in 2015. Varieties in equal parts, 12 months in recovered barrels. About 10 000 bottles were made. Very vigorous aroma, with a ripe fruit style, light floral still on a very hidden basis. The wine evolves well and it will now be at its best. Very good in the mouth, enveloping, rich in fruit, fine tannins but even more present, all recommended for the table, with meat dishes. ”
ALUADO white 2019
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Aluado 2019 is a rich, velvety red, great solo or served with roast meats (try lamb or pork) or a herby casserole.
Ripe orchard fruits – peach and apricot – with creamy lemon notes
ALUADO Reserva red 2017
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Alicante Bouschet is one of the only known grapes to have red skin and pulp – this rare characteristic imparts deep color and structure to blends, so it’s highly prized by winemakers. But when José Neiva bottled it solo (not in a blend), his friends called him aluado – crazy, or moonstruck. José had the last laugh though: this inviting red has earned a slew of coveted golds. Last vintage, it won three international gold medals and an 89-point, Best Buy rating from Wine Enthusiast. Here’s the equally delicious 2017 release, brimming with rich dark berry and complex mocha notes.
ESCADA Reserva white 2019
Awarded Gold by Shanghai Paper
Destemming contact with skin contact. Cooled to 15ºC, the must is then vacuum filtered with perlites. The fermentation is achieved through active dry yeasts, the temperature being controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
It’s a bright white, fruited, refreshing with apple and lemon notes in the aroma and tasting. It’s a pleasant and elegant easy drinking wine, smooth, with an intense and long end of tasting.
PORTADA RESERVA RED 2018 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Classic fermentation method with destemming and pre-fermentative skin contact followed by application of active dry yeasts. Fermentation at 30ºC in the first 2/3, and dropping to 20ºC during the last 1/3. During the entire fermentation process, 2 daily reassemblies are carried out using in each of them half the volume contained in the vat. After the alcoholic fermentation, the blanket is dipped for 30 days, during which the smooth tannins are extracted, malolactic fermentation and natural stabilization of the wine.
CASA do LAGO ROSÉ 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Bright, fragrant, with notes of apple, strawberries, cherries and ripe red fruits. The tasting is delicious, refreshing, with a long, intense and elegant finish.
PORTADA MEDIUM SWEET WHITE 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Clear, bright, fruity with apples and citrus fruits. It is a young, refreshing and smooth wine, easy to drink and tasty.
PAXIS MEDIUM DRY ROSÉ 2019 – LISBOA REGIONAL WINE
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC.
Bright light pink with aroma of ripe red fruits. Refreshing, delicious, refined, smooth, with a long, intense and elegant finish.
PAXIS WHITE BLEND (Bulldog) 2019
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Stalked with pre-fermentative skin contact. The must is cooled to 15ºC and is vacuum filtered with perlites. Fermentation is done with active dry yeasts, with the temperature controlled between 16ºC and 18ºC. The 5% Chardonnay is fermented and aged for 12 months in New French Oak Barrels.
A fruity wine, with notes of tropical and citrus fruits. In the tasting we feel mineral notes adding more freshness to this powerful, intense and persistent white wine. João Paulo Martins; Wines of Portugal 2016; “It is destined for the foreign market and, therefore, internally it is only available in the company itself. Very fresh and aromatic, with green and citrus notes to be present, the wine has a very evident summer side. Good volume in the mouth, acidity here well integrated to support the set, the fruit is here in evidence and works well in the set. ”
ALUADO red 2019
Awarded Silver by Shanghai Paper
Dark almost bright black colour, this is a dense and firm wine. It has rich plum and berry flavors that are dark as well as juicy. Powerful, deep full body and structured, but smooth and velvety. Tasty, delicious, elegant, with long and intense finnish and refreshing acidity.
Interview of MR. LUIS GOUVEIA – Sales and Marketing Director
Question 1: Do you already export to CHINA? If yes, where? If no, what type of importers & distributors are you looking for in CHINA?
DFJ VINHOS export to China but its redefining brand strategies and partners. Our goal is to find one importer with distribution specialized in the wine styles for the new generation of consumers. An importer who will tell us if some of the wines we produce have the quality price and style that the new consumers in China like, or if we have to do change or create different blends to them.
At DFJ we try to offer wines that give pleasure and are versatile, at the table, at a meeting of friends or at a social event.
Being Portuguese, wine is still for many of us a basic product of our diet and that is why we have a great concern with quality, but also with price.
We try very hard to find that wine that accompanies us on a daily basis. The strength of our offer is wines with excellent price, quality and recognition. In 2019 we won 564 awards, including 38 trophies and 197 gold medals.
Question 2: What is the most unique and qualitative part of your products, different from competitors?
We have a great concern for fruity, rich, elegant and smooth wines full of taste and life.
Our and the majority of consumers concern it’s that moment we have to choose for home or for a party with friends and family which red, white and rose will be consensual for more people.
The care we took with our pleasure at home will be much more important when we have to share with family and friends. What wine my mother or my wife love who will be also good for my friends? And that wines will be great with the food?
It will be a deception if after the first sip my family and friends change to water, juices, beers and sodas. It will be a personal shame to realize we fail choosing the wines for such an important moment. The pleasure and harmony of the moment went very badly by a wrong personal chosen.
At DFJVINHOS a good part of our job is to innovate, to try to produce this type of consensual wines that offer pleasure and that take away some of the complexities of our life. We produce also Premium wines where the characteristics are the same but one find more richness and finesse eventually for special events of our life like a marriage, the anniversary of a longtime friend or also to seal an important business contract.
Question 3: When did you start to export your brand worldwide, and what is your development plan for the next years?
DFJ VINHOS born in 1998 with the objective to export to the United Kingdom. In the UK, two of the three original partners are wine importers since the 70’s. The 3rd partner was the Portuguese oenologist (Mr. Neiva) in which they trusted to produce the wines to the taste of the English consumer. Since 2005, Mr. Neiva is the sole owner of the company. Today we export 99% of more than 8 million bottles to more than 50 countries.
We plan to grow in quality and in volume. We work each day to maintain the Certification of the Quality BRC – grade AA highest level.
We plan to grow our own production, today 250 ha of vineyards certified as environment sustainable production.
We want also to increase our innovation in blends and packaging. Because of that our logo includes the signature THE NEW PORTUGAL.
Finally, one of our goals is to strengthen partnerships with our customers, who bring us information from consumers, who advise us to change, to improve what we do, who inform us about new opportunities.
Thank you MR. LUIS GOUVEIA for your time and answers !
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