Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca

The Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca presents itself in the glass in a deep ruby red with slightly violet reflections. The colour appears dense, inviting, and underlines the powerful character of this Portuguese red wine from the Península de Setúbal. Already at the first swirl an intense aroma rises, dominated by dark berries, ripe plums, and a hint of black cherry.

The nose clearly reveals maturation in small, new barrels. Notes of vanilla, fine toast, sweet spices, and a touch of cedarwood envelop the fruity aromatics. Slight hints of cocoa and a touch of liquorice add additional depth. Everything appears focused and elegant, without heaviness, with an appealing interplay between fruit and oak.

• Colour: deep ruby red with violet reflections
• Aromatics: dark berries, plums, black cherry, vanilla, fine oak
• Texture: velvety, dense, yet smooth
• Taste: dry, warm, balanced
• Finish: long, spicy, with a fine fruity note

On the palate a juicy core of dark berry fruit, ripe damsons, and cherries unfolds, accompanied by vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of mocha. The texture remains consistently velvety, almost creamy, and lies softly on the tongue. With its rounded tannins and well-integrated acidity, this red wine shows a harmonious, full-bodied structure that lingers for a long time.

The acidity of about 5.7 g/l brings lively freshness and structure, while the dry style with a hint of residual sugar of 7.1 g/l imparts a caressing richness. The tannins appear ripe, finely polished, and together with the alcohol content of 13.0% vol. form a balanced framework. The finish is long, spicy, and slightly balsamic with persistent fruit and a delicate note of vanilla.

1. Grape base: characterful cuvée with Touriga Nacional at the centre
2. Region: Península de Setúbal, sub-region Setúbal DOC
3. Style: shaped by a warm climate, fruit-driven, refined by oak
4. Category: VR Vinho Regional, dry red wine

The grape cuvée around Touriga Nacional carries typical Portuguese spiciness. It conveys the warmth of the climate close to the Atlantic, the sandy soils of the region, and the long tradition of the José Maria da Fonseca estate. In a classic red wine glass, the Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca unfolds its full aromatic diversity and impressively demonstrates the potential of the Península de Setúbal for characterful red wines.

Production of Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR by José Maria da Fonseca

The grapes for Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca come from selected sites on the Península de Setúbal in Portugal. The warm, sunny climate with a noticeable Atlantic influence allows for optimal grape ripeness. During the day, intense sunshine shapes the berries, while cooler winds at night provide balance and aromatic clarity.

The sandy soils of the region give the vines deep rooting and favour an elegant, finely spicy style. Water is stored only to a limited extent, which leads to a natural reduction in yields and increases concentration in the grapes. Touriga Nacional and other local varieties develop intense colour extraction, dark fruit aromas, and a distinctive structure here.

The harvest is carried out selectively in order to bring only fully ripe, aromatically concentrated grapes into the cellar. Gentle processing preserves the clear fruit. After fermentation, this red wine matures for about eight months in small barrels made of new oak. This maturation gives it its characteristic vanilla note, fine roasted nuances, and additional structure.

The use of new oak lends depth, complexity, and a creamy mouthfeel. The oak notes never dominate, but frame the dark fruit with spicy elegance. Afterwards, the cuvée harmonises in tank and bottle before it is released for sale. The classically designed bottle with cork closure underlines the serious, tradition-conscious appearance of this red wine and fits perfectly with the aspirations of a Reserva from Setúbal.

The style of José Maria da Fonseca is clearly recognisable: clear fruit, precise use of oak, balanced acidity structure, and velvety tannins. The focus remains firmly on drinking pleasure, finesse, and authentic regional character. The 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast confirms the meticulous work in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Enjoyment recommendations for Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR by José Maria da Fonseca

Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR pairs excellently with spicy, piquant dishes. Strongly seasoned meat dishes, hearty oven-baked dishes, or Mediterranean cuisine harmonise particularly well with its dark fruit and vanilla as well as oak notes. Grilled dishes with roasted aromas also create a harmonious interplay.

• Spicy tapas, chorizo, piquant meat skewers
• Braised beef or lamb dishes with herbs
• Pasta with intense tomato sauces or ragouts
• Hard cheese and medium-aged semi-hard cheese with robust aroma

For a romantic dinner, this red wine creates a sensuous, warm atmosphere. The long finish, velvety texture, and fine vanilla spice are particularly atmospheric by candlelight and a laid table. It is excellently suited as a companion to a multi-course menu, but also as a soloist to round off an evening.

The ideal serving temperature is around 15 to 18 °C. At this temperature the aromas of dark berries, plums, and vanilla unfold particularly harmoniously. A short decanting before enjoyment provides additional openness and depth.

1. Serving temperature: 15–18 °C in a red wine glass
2. Perfect setting: romantic dinner, special evenings
3. Companion to spicy-piquant cuisine and hearty meat dishes
4. Outstanding price-enjoyment ratio

When stored correctly in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, this VR Vinho Regional continues to mature for several years. The specified storage potential of up to ten years from the vintage shows the potential of this cuvée. Fruit, spice, and oak develop additional nuances over time, while the tannins become increasingly soft and supple.

Whether as a discovery for lovers of Portugal, as a charming companion to a romantic evening, or as a gift for discerning connoisseurs: Periquita Reserva Setúbal VR by José Maria da Fonseca captivates with character, depth, and an impressive price-enjoyment ratio.

• More products from José Maria da Fonseca