Few producers in Madeira can boast of such a profound transformation as that experienced by Barbeito. Although the grandfather of Ricardo Freitas had already established a solid company, everything changed in 1991 when Ricardo took over the family winery. His decision to cease bulk wine sales—which had previously accounted for half of the revenue—and to focus on quality was a true turning point.
Behind this leap was Yasuhiro Kinoshita, a Japanese importer of Barbeito for nearly a quarter of a century and a trusted partner. Kinoshita not only provided financial stability but also offered Ricardo the freedom to innovate, to raise standards, and to explore new ideas. The combination of boldness, vision, and collaboration transformed Barbeito into an international benchmark, an example of how tradition and creativity can mutually reinforce each other.
From historic legacy to the bottle, Branco Vinhas do Lanço embodies the philosophy of Barbeito. The verdelho grapes are sourced from a vineyard in Feiteiras and a small, old vineyard at a higher altitude, opposite the Casa Madre de Lanço, imparting freshness and concentration to the wine.
Vinification begins with gentle pressing, 24-hour settling, and controlled fermentation at 15°C. For maturation, 3% is aged in four-year-old French oak barrels, while the remaining 65% rests in stainless steel tanks, both for 14 months. Before being released to the market, the wine is aged for 8 months in the bottle, refining its texture and complexity.
Barbeito Branco Vinhas Do Lanço is an elegant, fresh, and mineral white, where ripe fruit, herbal nuances, and a slightly saline finish can be discerned, demonstrating how innovation and tradition can coexist in perfect harmony.