Red grape · also Periquita, João de Santarém
The southern sand-grown red, famous as 'Periquita'.
Aromas
Raspberry, redcurrant, game and savoury herbs
Structure
Medium body, bright acidity, soft tannins
Ageing
5–15 years; old-vine examples longer
Long the most planted red in southern Portugal, Castelão was popularised by José Maria da Fonseca's Periquita in the 19th century. On the sands of the Setúbal Peninsula it gives aromatic, juicy and surprisingly age-worthy wines.
Everyday to reserve reds of Palmela and Setúbal, rosé.
Grilled sardines, choco frito, roast chicken.
Setúbal Peninsula
Vila Nogueira de Azeitão · Est. 1834
Ancient cellars holding Moscatel de Setúbal in cask since the 1800s — including the fabled Torna-Viagem.
Lisboa & Colares
Aldeia Galega, Alenquer · Est. 16th century
A family-run historic quinta where winemaker Sandra Tavares da Silva crafts some of Lisbon's most refined wines.