Clink. Hear that sound? That’s the sound of history being uncorked at Burmester. The Burmester cellars are more than just a place to store wine. They whisper tales of a family’s journey through centuries of trade, war, and passion.
In 1730, Henry Burmester and John Nash established Burmester & Nash in London. Initially, they traded grain. By 1750, they saw a brighter future in Vila Nova de Gaia. They began exporting Port wine to England and Europe.
The Burmester name has German roots. It comes from “Burgomeester” meaning mayor. The family originally hailed from Moelln in Northern Germany. The rise of Burmester was fueled by the British love for Port. The English were often owners of Port houses and wine estates.
The Burmester story isn’t without its dramatic turns. Frederick Burmester became treasurer of the Factory House in Porto. This was an important place for British Port merchants. During the Napoleonic invasions, Frederick had to flee Portugal.
To ensure the business survived, Johann Wilhelm Burmester took over. He resided in Hamburg. Thanks to him, Burmester continued to produce exceptional wines. Johann Wilhelm bought the company in 1861 and renamed it J.W. Burmester.
The family faced more hardship during World War I. Because of their German heritage, they had to leave Portugal quickly. The government planned to confiscate their property. Fortunately, they transferred their wine to a Portuguese friend before fleeing. After the war, the friend transferred the wine back.
The Burmester family managed the company until the end of 1999. Then, the Amorim family took over. Amorim had been making Port wine corks since 1870. In 2005, Amorim sold Burmester to Sogevinus. However, they kept the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo vineyard.
Today, Burmester is part of the Sogevinus Fine Wines group. Despite changes in ownership, Burmester remains committed to tradition. They blend ancestral know-how with modern winemaking. This ensures Ports of impeccable quality.
Here at Burmester, you will find different types of Port wines. Tawny Port ages in oak barrels. It has aromas of dried fruits and spices. Vintage Port is produced only in the best years. Ruby Port is young and fruity. Colheita Port comes from a single harvest and ages for many years.
Burmester wines pair well with many foods. Tawny complements dark chocolate. Vintage enhances rich dishes. Ruby matches red fruit desserts. Colheita can be enjoyed alone.
Now, as you stand surrounded by these aged barrels, consider the legacy of Burmester. It is a legacy of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to the art of Port winemaking. Each bottle encapsulates centuries of history. Each sip offers a taste of the Burmester’s enduring spirit.