79% Castelão, 11% Trincadeira, 10% Aragónez (Tempranillo), from grapes grown in sandy soils on the Setúbal peninsula. Produced since 1850 from the original JM da Fonseca estate. Fermented over 7 days at 28°C, then matured 4 months in new and used oak. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
A rather lovely farmyardy smell – warm and welcoming. Farmyardy, leathery but fruity in the mouth – like poor man’s Rioja.
Alc 13.1%, TA 4.95g/l, pH 3.65. Available from Wine Direct and 192 branches.
15/10/2008