This is an exceptionally smooth and fruity red from Palmela, just to the south of Lisbon. The Castelão grape (also known as Periquita around nearby Setúbal) is the only red grape grown at the Pegos Claros estate, where they have some 40 hectares of old vines planted some 40 years ago. But the winery dates back to 1920.
This is an ideal partner for a nice steak, presenting rich and jammy dark berry fruit notes on the nose along with subtle notes of vanilla from well-integrated oak.
This is a wine that needs a few years in the bottle and the 2014 currently on sale (€8.99 at Apolónia) is already drinking very well with silky smooth tannins.
By Patrick Stuart
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