A normalização do comércio de vinhos do Douro : da crise comercial de 1754 à instituição da Companhia dos Vinhos

Abstract

The foundation of the Companhia Geral da Agricultura dos Vinhos do Alto Douro in 1756 represents a significant milestone in the future organisation of the production and industry of Port Wines. The studies about the reasons that originated this regulating institution have been primarily based on documents found in the institution and rarely on indirect documentation. In this article, the author reflects on the origins of the Institute created by the Marquis of Pombal, based on the latter type of documental evidences, of which emerge, not just the institutional point of view, but also this professional class' interests, which, by that time, dominated the wine trade in the town of Oporto.