Jose Maria Da Fonseca Setubal Tinto Reserva

Owned and managed by the same family for close to 200 years (one of the oldest producers of table wines and Setubal Moscatel in Portugal), the focus has always been on updating and looking ahead. A state-of-the-art winery to rival the best anywhere in the world results in wines that ally the accumulated experience of history with the most advanced winemaking technology.

Over and above all the resources used in producing its wines, it is the passion and commitment to the art of winemaking that best characterises the work of Jose Maria da Fonseca.

Vineyards

Setbal Peninsula (also known as Pennsula de Setbal) is the Portuguese wine region immediately southeast of Lisbon, across the Tejo estuary. The terroir in the area ranges from sandy coastal plains to the craggy, limestone-rich Serra Arribida hills. The area is known for its dry red wines made from Castelo, and for its fortified wines and sweet Moscatel de Setbal.

The climate here is distinctly Mediterranean with hot, dry summers with the majority of rainfall concentrated into the mild, winter months. Vineyards located in the hills of Serra Arribida are cooler in comparison to those on the Atlantic coast thanks to the diurnal temperature variation provided by the elevation.

Vinification

This wine is a blend of Castelo & Touriga Nacional, aged 6 months in a combination of French & American oak casks.

Tasting Notes

The duo of the juicy grape varieties Castelo & Touriga Nacional, make a wine with vibrant fruity aromas, sweeter berries with the right ripeness & balanced by freshness. The 6 months of French & American oak ageing proves to give a round richness with ripe strawberries & light spice that is difficult to find in Portugal. With a fantastic structure, refined tannins.

Castelo is perhaps best paired with hearty dishes such asPork and bean soup or mushroom risotto. Grilled light meats such as grilled chicken thighs would also match well. Game such as boar & veal also shows beautifully with it.