Let's dive into the last of the Portuguese reds that we are highlighting for our #juneisforindies Wines of Portugal campaign.
Region:
Within the Setubal Peninsula wine region, the DOC Palmela is very well known for its production of red wines. The high quality of these red wines is thanks to the late ripening of the Castelao grape. This grape grows extremely well in the sandy soils of Palmela where it is also very hot. The late ripening of the grape gives it a complex flavour with extreme depth. The Setúbal Peninsula is a wine region located in southern Portugal, just across the water from the country's capital, Lisbon. It is estimated that the vine culture in the region was introduced by the Tartessos, the first western civilization, around 2000 BC., which used the wine they produced in commercial transactions with others, an indication of how far back the vineyard culture dates in Setúbal.
Terroir:
Setubal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tejo and Sado rivers. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild but rainy winters. The region is characterized by its abundant nature, clearly visible in places such as the Arrábida Natural Park, the D. Luís Saldanha Marine Park or the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve and also by its built heritage, equally great in diversity and historical value. The symbiosis between the climate and the soil of this region creates the perfect conditions for the production of high quality grapes.
Grapes:
Within the Setubal Peninsula wine region, the DOC Palmela is very well known for its production of red wines. The high quality of these red wines is thanks to the late ripening of the Castelao grape. This grape grows extremely well in the sandy soils of Palmela where it is also very hot. The late ripening of the grape gives it a complex flavour with extreme depth. Herdade do Cebolal Tinto is a red wine produced from red grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Castelão and Aragonês, planted in the wine region of Peninsula de Setúbal. After a gentle crushing and total destemming, the grapes fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. After this process, the wine remains in the stainless steel vats for 9 months prior to being bottled.
How it tastes:
This is an elegant, fruity red wine with delicate and young aromas, showing a bouquet of delicious and ripe wild red fruits. It is a very balanced red wine, with round and fresh tannins and fantastic minerality. It's almost Burgundian in style
What to pair it with:
The local cheese!
Quaijo de Azeitão is a cheese that is made only in the Setubal wine region. The production of Quaijo de Azeitão in the Setubal region dates back to the 19th century. This local cheese is semi-soft and is made from sheep milk that is unpasteurized. The milk that is used in making the cheese is taken only from sheep that graze on the natural vegetation of the region.
Region:
Within the Setubal Peninsula wine region, the DOC Palmela is very well known for its production of red wines. The high quality of these red wines is thanks to the late ripening of the Castelao grape. This grape grows extremely well in the sandy soils of Palmela where it is also very hot. The late ripening of the grape gives it a complex flavour with extreme depth. The Setúbal Peninsula is a wine region located in southern Portugal, just across the water from the country's capital, Lisbon. It is estimated that the vine culture in the region was introduced by the Tartessos, the first western civilization, around 2000 BC., which used the wine they produced in commercial transactions with others, an indication of how far back the vineyard culture dates in Setúbal.
Terroir:
Setubal is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Tejo and Sado rivers. The climate is temperate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild but rainy winters. The region is characterized by its abundant nature, clearly visible in places such as the Arrábida Natural Park, the D. Luís Saldanha Marine Park or the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve and also by its built heritage, equally great in diversity and historical value. The symbiosis between the climate and the soil of this region creates the perfect conditions for the production of high quality grapes.
Grapes:
Within the Setubal Peninsula wine region, the DOC Palmela is very well known for its production of red wines. The high quality of these red wines is thanks to the late ripening of the Castelao grape. This grape grows extremely well in the sandy soils of Palmela where it is also very hot. The late ripening of the grape gives it a complex flavour with extreme depth. Herdade do Cebolal Tinto is a red wine produced from red grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Castelão and Aragonês, planted in the wine region of Peninsula de Setúbal. After a gentle crushing and total destemming, the grapes fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. After this process, the wine remains in the stainless steel vats for 9 months prior to being bottled.
How it tastes:
This is an elegant, fruity red wine with delicate and young aromas, showing a bouquet of delicious and ripe wild red fruits. It is a very balanced red wine, with round and fresh tannins and fantastic minerality. It's almost Burgundian in style
What to pair it with:
The local cheese!
Quaijo de Azeitão is a cheese that is made only in the Setubal wine region. The production of Quaijo de Azeitão in the Setubal region dates back to the 19th century. This local cheese is semi-soft and is made from sheep milk that is unpasteurized. The milk that is used in making the cheese is taken only from sheep that graze on the natural vegetation of the region.
So give this versatile big bold BBQ red a whirl this summer - we guarantee you'll love it on its own. with friends, and with food!