It is the most cultivated red varietal in the south of Portugal, accounting for about sixty-percent of production on the Setúbal Peninsula.

This varietal has also been known as Periquita since 1830, when José Maria da Fonseca planted it on his estate in Azeitão — Cova da Periquita — and whose wines garnered so much fame that the name has spread throughout the entire region.

It has a superb ability to adapt to different climactic conditions, which makes it remarkably versatile. But it is on the Setúbal Peninsula, especially in the region’s sandy terrains and on the old vines, where it is expressed in all its fullness, giving the best of itself with wines that are structured, fleshy and intense.

Characteristics:

• These wines present a quite structured and fruity taste, hinting at aromas such as cherry, gooseberry, acorn, chestnut, plum confit, blackberries and raspberry, which harmonise well when maturing in oak casks.
• As a general rule, they have an excellent ageing ability.