Castelao

Castelão, also known as Periquita, is a red grape variety grown mainly in Portugal. It is the most widely planted grape variety in the country and is a key component of many Portuguese wines.

Castelão is a reddish-purple grape variety with thick skins. Its wines are characterized by full body, medium to high acidity and sometimes with a harsh tannin structure. Aromas of dark red fruit and baking spices are common, along with a hint of earthiness and leather.

Castelão is grown primarily in the Portuguese region of Ribatejo. It is also found in the Alentejo, Setúbal Peninsula, and Beiras regions. It is also grown in small amounts in Spain, Brazil, and even Australia. Castelão is a hardy variety that ripens early and is well-suited to warm climates. In the vineyard, it is prone to powdery mildew and downy mildew, so careful canopy management is necessary. In the cellar, Castelão is often blended with other Portuguese varieties, such as Aramon and Touriga Nacional, to create deeper and more complex wines. In Ribatejo, Castelão is used to make full-bodied, rustic wines with a good balance of fruit and earthy flavors. In the Setúbal Peninsula, it is used to make lighter, fresher wines with bright red fruit flavors. In Alentejo, Castelão is blended with other varieties to create wines with structure, depth and complexity. Castelão is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its full body and relatively high acidity make it a great match for grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Its aromas of dark red fruit and baking spices also make it an excellent match for lamb dishes.

Due to its general hardiness and adaptability, Castelão is now the most widely planted grape variety in Portugal.