# Periquita White (2024)

- **Producer:** Jose Maria da Fonseca
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Verdelho, Viosinho, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Península de Setúbal, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €5
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 7–11 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** asparagus, peach, melon, passion fruit, sweet lime, banana, pineapple, apricot

## About this wine

The Periquita White 2024 is a white wine from Jose Maria da Fonseca, Portugal's oldest table wine producer, founded in 1834. Hailing from the Península de Setúbal region, this wine is part of the historic Periquita brand, which includes Portugal's first bottled red wine. The winery, now in its eighth generation, combines modern techniques with traditional knowledge, aiming to create wines that embody the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle. The Periquita White itself was first launched in 2004, offering a contemporary expression from a venerable producer.

## Interesting facts

- Periquita is Portugal's oldest table wine brand.
- The red Periquita was the first bottled red wine in Portugal (1850).
- The Periquita White brand was first introduced with the 2004 harvest.
- Jose Maria da Fonseca is a family-owned winery for eight generations.

## Food pairing

The wine's fresh acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of seafood and lighter proteins, while its fruity character complements herbal and slightly sweet elements in dishes. It acts as a refreshing counterpoint to richer sauces and can stand up to subtle spices.

## Wine making process

The Periquita White is produced by fermenting a blend of Verdelho, Viosinho, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes in stainless steel tanks. The fermentation temperature is carefully controlled at 16°C to preserve the wine's aromatic intensity and fruit purity. Following fermentation, the wine is bottled without any aging period, emphasizing its fresh and immediate character. This approach aligns with Jose Maria da Fonseca's broader philosophy of combining modern techniques with traditional winemaking practices to capture the essence of Portuguese wines.