Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca

The Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca displays a dense ruby red in the glass with slightly violet reflections at the rim. On the nose it unfolds an intense scent of ripe dark berries, black cherries and plums, caressed by fine vanilla, delicate roasted aromas and a hint of liquorice. On the palate, the wine presents itself dry, rounded and inviting, with juicy fruit, harmoniously integrated acidity and velvety tannin. The texture appears smooth, the mouthfeel elegant and dense, the finish medium in length with subtle notes of berry compote and a delicate hint of vanilla.

The cuvée from Trincadeira Preta (Tinta Amarela) from the Península de Setúbal region shows the characteristic style of a warm Atlantic growing area. The sandy soils lend the wine finesse and drinking pleasure, while maturation in French oak provides additional structure and spice. The Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca is aimed at red wine lovers who appreciate a characterful yet accessible Portuguese wine with a clear sense of origin and a classic appearance.

• Color: dense ruby red with violet reflections
• Aromas: dark berries, black cherry, plum, vanilla, delicate roasted notes
• Taste: dry, fruit-driven, with spicy accents
• Structure: velvety tannins, precise acidity, medium body
• Maturation: 6 months in French oak in small wooden barrels
• Origin: Península de Setúbal VR, Portugal

1. Entry: fresh scent of dark berries and vanilla
2. Mid-palate: juicy fruit, fine spice, soft tannin
3. Finale: medium finish with berry fruit and delicate wood notes

Production of Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca

The grapes for Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca come from the sun-drenched Península de Setúbal, south of Lisbon. The warm, dry climate with Atlantic influence produces fully ripe grapes, while fresh sea breezes provide balance. The vines are rooted predominantly in sandy soils, which ensure good drainage and lend the cuvée elegance as well as clarity in its aromatic profile.

The grape varieties Trincadeira Preta and Tinta Amarela show their full potential in this region. Careful canopy management in the vineyard promotes even ripening of the grapes, while selective harvesting ensures high-quality berries. The grapes are gently brought to the winery of José Maria da Fonseca, one of Portugal’s most traditional houses with long-standing experience in producing characterful red wines.

After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine matures for around six months in small barrels made of French oak. This maturation intensifies the fruit-driven aromas, introduces vanilla and roasted nuances and gives the wine additional structure without masking its freshness. The house style combines Portuguese tradition with modern cellar technology, so that the cuvée appears clear, precise and at the same time charming.

The final assemblage balances fruit, wood and tannin. A gentle filtration process preserves the aromatic depth and the velvety mouthfeel. The result is a red wine with a clear sense of origin, classified as VR Vinho Regional, which proves itself both in everyday situations and on special occasions and offers a remarkable price-pleasure ratio.

Serving recommendations for Periquita Tinto Setúbal VR - José Maria da Fonseca

This red wine accompanies spicy and piquant dishes particularly well. The dark berry fruit and vanilla note meet powerful aromas from the kitchen and bring out the best in the dish. Braised dishes, barbecues and intensely flavored snacks benefit from the velvety structure and the finely integrated wood spice.

• Spicy tapas with chorizo or hot paprika sausage
• Grilled lamb chops with herb marinade
• Piquant chicken skewers with peppers and onions
• Pasta with spicy tomato and pepper sauce
• Hard cheese or medium-aged semi-hard cheese with nutty notes

In convivial gatherings, at parties or on relaxed evenings with friends, the wine reveals all its charm. The classic bottle design looks perfect on a laid table, while the characterful yet accessible style appeals to a wide audience. In a red wine glass, the ruby red is particularly attractive, and the aromas continue to develop steadily with a little exposure to air.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 °C. In this range, the wine shows its velvety texture, the harmonious acidity and the balanced fruit-wood interplay. A short time to breathe in the glass or in a small decanter further intensifies the aromas of berries, plum and vanilla.

The cellaring potential is about five years from the vintage. During this time, the wine remains attractive, the tannins become increasingly round, while the fruit is complemented by spicy nuances. Storing the bottle lying down in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature preserves its quality and ensures lasting enjoyment from every bottle.

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