Fontanario de Pegoes Red Palmela

Producer Note

Santo Isidro de Pegões was founded in 1958. The cooperative is made up of 140 winegrowers and has access to over 1,100 hectares of vineyard located in the Terras do Sado area of the Setúbal peninsula. This coastal area benefits from mineral-rich sandy soils and cooling Atlantic winds. Santo Isidro de Pegões is one of the most forward thinking cooperatives in Portugal and their chief winemaker, Jaime Quendera one of Portugal's most respected winemakers. In 2017 they were awarded the Portuguese Wine Producer of the Year Trophy from the IWSC.

Vintage

Temperatures during the summer months of 2018 were exceptionally hot, resulting in berries with concentrated flavours and slightly lower levels of acidity. The quality of the fruit is high and it is a vintage with great promise. 

Vineyard

The Pegões vineyard is located between two Nature Reserves: the Tagus estuary to the Northwest and the Sado on the Southwest. To the east are the Arrabida hills and to the west the Alentejo province's clays. The unique soil here is named "Pliocenico de Pegões". It is a sandy soil formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. It is this Mediterranean climate and soil combination that creates this unique Pegões terroir.

Winemaking

The grapes were macerated for an extended period to extract colour, fine tannins and flavours. This was followed by a temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for nine months in American and French oak barrels, with a further six months in bottle, before being released.

Tasting Note

Intense aromas of red berries, spice and a hint of vanilla while young, evolving later into aromas of dried fruits, chocolate, spices and coffee. A well structured and smooth wine with a soft and fruity mouthfeel, complemented by attractive coffee notes on the lingering finish.

Serving Suggestion

A great match for a cured ham or slow roasted pork belly.

Grape

Castelão 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Touriga Nacional 10%