Description

PRODUCER:
Santo Isidro de Pegões was founded in 1958 and has subsequently seen significant investment in the winery and vineyards. Today, the cooperative is made up of 100 winegrowers and has access to over 1,200 hectares of vineyard located in the Terras do Sado area of the Setúbal Peninsula. This coastal area benefits from mineral-rich sandy soils and cooling Atlantic winds, in which indigenous varieties thrive. Santo Isidro de Pegões is one of the most forward-thinking cooperatives in Portugal and their chief winemaker, Jaime Quendera one of Portugal’s most respected winemakers. In 2018, Santo Isidro de Pegões was awarded the Portuguese Wine Producer of the Year Trophy from the IWSC.

VINEYARD:
The vineyards are located on the Setúbal Peninsula between two Nature Reserves: the Tagus Estuary to the northwest and the River Sado on the southwest. To the east are the Arrabida Hills and to the west the Alentejo Province. The unique soil here is named “Pliocenico de Pegões”, it is a sandy soil formed over millions of years by sand transported by the rivers Tagus and Sado. Located close to the sea, the cooling maritime influence tempers the warm Mediterranean climate, producing grapes with good flavour concentration, beautifully balanced by natural acidity. The combination of the microclimate and distinctive soil creates this unique Pegões terroir. ‘Sobreiro’ is the name for the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) in old Galician.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes underwent a short skin maceration followed by temperature-controlled fermentation with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks to retain the freshness and purity of fruit from the indigenous varietals. The varieties were blended and aged without oak influence, resulting in a fresh and fruity style of wine.

VINTAGE:
In 2022, average weather conditions allowed all the phenological states to occur within the normal ranges, and the grapes reached good maturity levels with balanced acidity and sugar. The harvest took place at the end of August and into September. The 2022 wines express good varietal character.

TASTING NOTE:
A fresh, fruity blend with aromatic floral notes, together with tropical and citrus flavours and a touch of spice. The creamy texture is harmoniously balanced through to a refreshing and elegant finish.

GRAPES:
Antão Vaz 20%, Fernão Pires 20%, Moscatel Graúdo 60%.

AWARDS:
• Top 100, Wine Merchant, 2024
• Best Value White Wine Trophy, Wine Merchant, 2024