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 Pegões vineyard is 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. It is this Mediterranean climate, along with the maritime influence from the nearby sea and soil combination, that creates this unique Pegões terroir.

WINEMAKING:
Temperature-controlled fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks to retain the freshness and purity of fruit from the indigenous varietals. A long maceration ensured good extraction of colour, flavour and soft, integrated tannins. The wine was aged without oak influence, resulting in a fresh style with great purity of fruit.

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, and the resulting wines are beautifully balanced and express good varietal character.

TASTING NOTE:
A succulent and vibrant blend with black fruit compote layered with vanilla and spice, and a softness on the palate, which is packed with juicy fruit and a smooth finish.

GRAPES:
Alicante Bouschet 10%, Aragonês 20%, Castelão 60%, Touriga Nacional 10%.