Burmester

History and Heritage of Burmester Wines: A Journey Through the Centuries

The Burmester estate is a jewel of Portuguese wine heritage, boasting a rich history that spans nearly three centuries. From its beginnings as a grain trading company in London in the 18th century, the Burmester house has established itself as a key player in the world of Port wines. What sets this prestigious house apart is not only the exceptional quality of its products but also its heritage deeply rooted in European history. Today, the Burmester house is part of the Sogevinus Fine Wines group, ensuring the brand's international reach while preserving the winemaking traditions that have made it renowned.

Foundation and Evolution of the Burmester House

In 1730, Henry Burmester and John Nash founded the company Burmester & Nash in London, initially dedicated to the grain trade. However, by 1750, they decided to diversify their activities by settling in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, where they began exporting Port wine to Europe and the British Isles. At that time, the Port wine trade was experiencing considerable growth, notably due to the increasing demand from the United Kingdom, one of the largest consumers of this fortified wine.

By the end of the 18th century, the company Burmester & Nash was dissolved, but this marked a new beginning for Henry Burmester Jr., who founded H. Burmester & Sons, a new company specializing in Port wine. The name Burmester originates from the village of Moelln, located in northern Germany, deriving from the word "Burgomester" meaning "mayor."

The development of the Burmester house is also marked by the influence of the British, who, through their enthusiasm for Port, were often behind the development of the great houses of this wine, frequently becoming owners of wine estates. This historical and commercial relationship between Portugal and the United Kingdom allowed Burmester to rise among the best Port houses.

Burmester and Historical Conflicts

Upon the death of Henry Burmester, one of his 12 sons, Frederick Burmester, became treasurer of the Factory House in Porto, an emblematic place for British Port wine merchants. However, international conflicts did not spare the Burmester house. Frederick had to leave Portugal hastily during the Napoleonic invasions, temporarily jeopardizing the company's stability.

To ensure the continuity of the house, a distant relative, Johann Wilhelm Burmester, who resided in Hamburg, took over the company. Thanks to this succession, the Burmester house reconnected with success and continued to produce exceptional wines throughout the 19th century.

Acquisition and Modernization by Sogevinus Fine Wines

Over the centuries, Burmester was passed down from generation to generation, each owner contributing to the improvement and reputation of the brand. In 2005, Burmester joined the Sogevinus Fine Wines group, a major player in the Portuguese wine sector, specializing in Port wines and DOC Douro wines. This acquisition marked a turning point in Burmester's history, which now benefits from the resources and expertise of Sogevinus to continue its international expansion.

Under the direction of Sogevinus, Burmester continues to respect traditional methods while adopting modern winemaking practices. Blending and aging techniques are perfected to offer Ports of impeccable quality, enhancing each bottle with a unique and refined character.

The Range of Burmester Port Wines: Tradition and Excellence

Today, Burmester is recognized for the exceptional quality of its Port wines, which embody elegance and tradition. The house offers a wide range of Ports, from Tawny to Vintage, including Ruby and Colheita. Each cuvée reflects ancestral know-how, passed down from generation to generation, and meets the highest quality standards.

• Tawny Port: Aged in oak barrels, Tawny stands out for its amber color and aromas of dried fruits, caramel, and spices. It is a complex wine that evolves over time, offering rich and balanced flavors.
• Vintage Port: Produced only in the best years, Vintage is a Port of great finesse, intended to be stored for several decades to develop its full aromatic potential.
• Ruby Port: Young and lively, Ruby is a fruity Port with notes of red and black fruits. It is easy to drink and is often appreciated by novices.
• Colheita Port: A wine from a single harvest, aged in barrels for several years, offering remarkable complexity and depth.

Food and Wine Pairings with Burmester Port

Port wines are traditionally enjoyed at the end of a meal, accompanying desserts or cheeses. However, each type of Burmester Port has its own characteristics that pair with different types of dishes:

• Tawny Port: It wonderfully accompanies dark chocolate desserts, nut tarts, or blue cheeses like Roquefort.
• Vintage Port: This powerful and structured wine pairs perfectly with rich dishes, like duck with red fruits, or aged cheeses such as Stilton.
• Ruby Port: Its intense fruitiness goes perfectly with red fruit desserts, crumbles, or a simple strawberry tart.
• Colheita Port: More complex, it is enjoyed on its own or with dried fruits, roasted almonds, or spicy meat dishes.

Where to Buy Burmester Wines?

Burmester wines are available for purchase online, notably on the website 12bouteilles.com, a platform specialized in selling fine wines. This site offers a wide selection of Port wines, including the best cuvées from the Burmester house. Buying on 12bouteilles.com allows wine enthusiasts to benefit from expert advice and discover exceptional wines directly from home. You can thus treat yourself to a bottle of Burmester Port, to enjoy on a special occasion or to keep for future tasting.

Burmester: A Living Heritage in Every Sip

In summary, the Burmester house represents much more than just a Port wine brand. It is a symbol of excellence and tradition that has spanned centuries without losing its soul. Every bottle of Burmester tells a story, that of a visionary family who built a wine empire respected worldwide. Thanks to its belonging to the Sogevinus Fine Wines group, Burmester continues to innovate while remaining faithful to its heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the history of the Burmester house? The Burmester house was founded in 1730 by Henry Burmester and John Nash in London, initially as a grain trading company. In 1750, they moved to Vila Nova de Gaia and began exporting Port wine. Since then, Burmester has become one of the most renowned Port brands in the world.

What types of Port does Burmester produce? Burmester offers a wide range of Ports, including Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, and Colheita. Each type of Port has its own characteristics and pairs with different types of dishes and desserts.

How can I buy Burmester Port wines online? Burmester Port wines are available on 12bouteilles.com, a site specialized in selling fine wines. You can order online and have them delivered directly to your home.

When is the best time to drink a Vintage Port? A Vintage Port can be drunk young to appreciate its fruity aromas or stored for several decades to develop more complex and spicy notes.

Which dishes pair with a Tawny Port? Tawny Port pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, nut tarts, or cheeses like Roquefort.

What sets Burmester apart from other Port houses? Burmester stands out for its historical heritage and commitment to quality. Since its beginnings in the 18th century, the house has managed to combine tradition and modernity to produce wines of exceptional quality.