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For more than 150 years, this landmark wine from the southwestern coast of Portugal has been a welcome guest at the tables of discerning wine drinkers and an international ambassador for fine Portuguese wines. Created by Jose Maria da Fonseca in 1850, Periquita is made primarily from the Castelao Frances grape, an indigenous variety that thrives in southern Portugal and, originally ushered into the public eye by Fonseca, has become nearly synonymous with the highly regarded wines of this historic producer.

Production Area
Terras do Sado, Portugal. Vineyards here are composed principally of sand (95%) with some presence of clay (5%).

Grape Varieties
50% Castelao; 30% Touriga Nacional; 20% Touriga Franca

Vinification
Fermentation lasts for about 7 days at 28ºC, maintaining full skin contact; the wine is then aged for 8 months in new and used oak barrels. Bottled April 2006. Aging: Properly stored, with bottles laid on their side in a cool, dark, slightly humid environment, this wine can be enjoyed for up to six years after release.

Color
Deep ruby

Bouquet
Sweet fruits, blueberries, cassis and violet

Taste
Fruity, balanced with soft tannins

Alcohol
13.2%