Santo Isidro de Pegoes, 'Vinhas de Pegoes', Península de Setubal, Touriga Nacional

Producer Note

Santo Isidro de Pegões was founded in 1958 and has subsequently seen significant investment in the winery and vineyards. Today, the cooperative is made up of over 90 winegrowers and has access to over 1,200 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, in which indigenous varieties thrive. 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 2018, Santo Isidro de Pegões was awarded the Portuguese Wine Producer of the Year Trophy from the IWSC.

Vintage 

In 2022, average weather conditions allowed all the phenologic states to occur within the normal ranges and the grapes reached good maturity levels with balanced acidity and sugar. The harvest took place at the end of August and into September, and the resulting wines are beautifully balanced and express good varietal character. 

Vineyard

The vineyards are located on the Setúbal Peninsula between two Nature Reserves: the Tagus Estuary to the northwest and the River Sado on the southwest. To the east are the Arrabida Hills and to the west the Alentejo Province. 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. Located close to the sea, the cooling maritime influence tempers the warm Mediterranean climate, producing grapes with good flavour concentration, beautifully balanced by natural acidity. The combination of the microclimate and distinctive soil creates this unique Pegões terroir.

Winemaking

Temperature-controlled fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks to retain the freshness and purity of fruit from the indigenous varietals. A long maceration ensured good extraction of colour, flavour and soft, integrated tannins. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in 225-litre oak barrels for between two and four months to impart subtle complexity. 

Tasting Note

A bold and opulent wine with aromas of blueberry, plum and blackberry compote with toasty oak spice leading to a rich palate with fine tannins and a long finish.

Grape 

Touriga Nacional 100%