The Castelão
Grape
A red grape variety widely planted in Portugal, particularly in the Setúbal Peninsula. Castelão produces wines that can range from light and fruity to more structured and complex, with flavors of red berries, plums, and a characteristic earthy note. It is versatile and can age well.
Castelão
Grape History
Castelão, also known as Periquita in Portugal, is a red wine grape variety that has a long and rich history. It is primarily grown in Portugal, particularly in the regions of Tejo and Setúbal, but it is also cultivated in regions like Spain, South Africa, and Brazil.
The history of Castelão can be traced back to at least the 18th century in Portugal, making it one of the oldest grape varieties in the country. It was traditionally used in the production of red table wines, but in recent years, winemakers have begun to experiment with Castelão in blends and single-varietal wines.
One interesting fact about Castelão is that it is known for its high levels of acidity, which gives wines made from this grape a refreshing and vibrant character. It also has strong tannins, which can lend structure and complexity to the wines. Castelão is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional and Aragonez, to create well-balanced and flavorful wines.
In terms of the wines it goes in, Castelão is commonly used in the production of light and fruity red wines with notes of red fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness. These wines are typically best enjoyed young, but some producers also make age-worthy Castelão wines that develop more complex flavors over time.
As for the projected future of Castelão, the grape variety is gaining recognition for its quality and versatility, both in Portugal and on the international stage. As consumer interest in unique and indigenous grape varieties continues to grow, Castelão is likely to become more popular among wine enthusiasts looking for something different. Additionally, as winemakers continue to experiment with different winemaking techniques and styles, we can expect to see a wider range of Castelão wines on the market in the coming years.
Overall, Castelão is a grape variety with a storied past and a promising future. Its distinct characteristics and ability to produce flavorful and expressive wines make it a valuable asset to the world of winemaking.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel