# Pingo Doce Castelão Vinhas Velhas (2022)

- **Producer:** Casa Ermelinda Freitas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Castelão
- **Region:** Península de Setúbal, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €5
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, toast, caramel, dried fig, prune

## About this wine

This bottling is a collaborative project created for the Portuguese supermarket retailer Pingo Doce by Casa Ermelinda Freitas, one of the most prominent producers in Fernando Pó, Palmela. Crafted under the supervision of acclaimed winemaker Jaime Quendera, the wine highlights the regional tradition of old-vine Castelão cultivated in the deep sandy soils of the Península de Setúbal. Old vines naturally produce low yields of concentrated fruit, representing a classic expression of Portuguese viticulture offered at an accessible price point.

## Interesting facts

- Crafted from low-yielding old vines grown in the sandy soils of Palmela.
- Earned official commendation after recognition at the international Città del Vino competition.
- Created by award-winning Portuguese winemaker Jaime Quendera for Pingo Doce.

## Food pairing

The medium-plus tannins and rich structure of this Castelão match well with proteins like pork and beef, while its moderate acidity cuts through rich tomato sauces and roasted meats smoothly without overwhelming the food.

## Wine making process

Harvested from old Castelão vines in Palmela, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by post-fermentative maceration to extract structure and color. The wine is then aged with wood contact to integrate oak elements with the core fruit profile before bottling.