Castelão, the variety that shines the most in Setúbal
Published : 03/18/2022 - Categories : Our Selection
Castelão was once the most planted red variety in Portugal, then it was “abandoned” and today it has a more than deserved resurgence, as it is a highly versatile variety, producing wines of different profiles.
It was, however, under the nickname Periquita that the variety became truly popular. Everything was due to the effort and commitment of José Maria da Fonseca who created the first 100% Castelão with this name. The wine gained such fame in the region, and later in the rest of Portugal, that the name Periquita quickly became associated with the variety.
It can be found from north to south of the country, but it is in the region of Setúbal that it reaches all its splendor, and it is this region that has kept up the effort to revive this variety, and Castelão has thus become a differentiating factor in the region.
It is in the old vines that Castelão produces structured, fruity wines, with particular emphasis on currants, plums jam, wild fruits and game notes. The acidity is usually assertive and the tannins are well defined. Great wines have good aging capacity.
Are you curious to taste this variety so little consensual among producers? We leave here several suggestions and styles, highlighting the fantastic and differentiating wines of the Setúbal region! Give it a try!