2021
100% Castelão
Castelão (syn. Periquita) is a low concentration grape variety that has fallen into the background in this era of concentrated red wines. Originally from Alentejo (according to the latest studies), it occupies an uncomfortable third place in the region's vineyards, despite being relegated to secondary or extra roles in the wines.
The "ancients" say that its virtue was not in its concentration, but in its longevity, "it needs time!". So this "Tinto de Castelão" was given time. Tanning time (35 days), barrel time (18 months), bottle time (12 months) and? time to be itself: in its more fragile color, in its elegance and in the persistence of its tannins.
The result? A nostalgic smile of something truly from the past.
Manual harvest at night. The bunches are selected on a sorting table, 30% of the whole bunch, then the berries are lightly cracked and transported to the fermentation vats by gravity. Cold pre-maceration until fermentation begins spontaneously. 35 days of maceration.
18 months in used French oak barrels.
Fragile garnet-ruby color. Fine aroma, with notes of cherry, tobacco and spices. On the palate, the attack is medium-bodied with good freshness. The texture builds in the middle of the tasting, all elegance, and finishes with present and firm tannins.
13.5% Vol.
2,987 numbered 0.75L bottles released in April 2023.
Store at 12ºC and serve at 16ºC to be drunk at 18ºC.
