by Dr. Luis Antunes
After 28 years with Sogrape, Portugal s largest producer, and in particular at its Douro division, Casa Ferreirinha, José Maria Soares Franco, 52, director of winemaking, left to start a new project with João Portugal Ramos of Alentejo, known
for his Marquês de Borba line.
Soares Franco had been responsible for Barca Velha, Portugal s most well-known table wine, since the retirement of its creator, Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, in 1987. He made and released the 1991, 1995 and 1999 vintages. Beyond that, Soares Franco developed Quinta da Leda in Douro Superior, where the best wines from Sogrape are sourced, including Barca Velha. He has also supported the company s expansion in Argentina, with the acquisition of Finca Flichman, and was involved in Sogrape s purchase of A. A. Ferreira in Porto.
Soares Franco emphasises that he leaves with no conflict with anyone at Sogrape and made it a point to explain that his departure was in no way connected with the recent acquisition of close to a third of Sogrape by Joe Berardo of Bacalhôa Wines. His decision was based only on the desire to start a new project with Portugal Ramos in the Douro Superior.
Sogrape has appointed Luís Sottomayor as the new winemaking director for the group s Douro wines. Sottomayor has been with Sogrape since 1989 and responsible for the vinification at Quinta da Leda since 2001, which will ensure the continuity of Sogrape wines. Both Joe Berardo and João Portugal Ramos refused to comment on Soares move.
