Península de Setúbal

The Península de Setúbal, just south of Lisbon, is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation in Portuguese wine. Known for the world-famous Moscatel de Setúbal, this region is also making waves with its terroir-focused dry wines. With its diverse landscapes and microclimates, Setúbal offers a wide range of wine styles, from the Castelão-based reds of DOC Palmela to aromatic whites, all while maintaining a deep-rooted connection to its storied past.

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Península de Setúbal Wine Regions


Setúbal Peninsula's terroir is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, crucial in shaping its distinctive wines. The region experiences mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, with the Atlantic's moderating influence. Sandy flats and limestone-rich hills provide varied terroirs, contributing to the unique expression of both local and international grape varieties. The long, warm growing season ensures grapes achieve full ripeness, enhancing the depth and complexity of the wines. Cool sea breezes preserve acidity, imbuing Setúbal's white wines with a lively freshness and adding structure to the reds. This ideal combination of climate and soil allows Setúbal to produce wines of remarkable character and enduring appeal, perfectly complementing its rich viticultural heritage.

History of Península de Setúbal Wine


The Península de Setúbal is a rich tapestry of Portugal's winemaking legacy, blending historic and innovative approaches. This region is home to a diverse array of wineries, each with a unique story and exceptional wines to offer.
  • José Maria da Fonseca: A pioneering winery since 1834, known for its iconic Periquita brand and treasured Torna-Viagem Moscatel.
  • Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal: An innovative producer merging art with wine, famous for its Bordeaux-style blends and Moscatel de Setúbal.
  • Casa Ermelinda Freitas: A female-led estate excelling with Castelão and known for its award-winning Dona Ermelinda and Quinta da Mimosa wines.
  • Quinta do Piloto: A boutique producer focusing on high-quality, small-batch wines from its historic vineyards in Palmela.

Sustainability in Península de Setúbal Winemaking


In the Península de Setúbal, sustainable winemaking is gaining momentum, driven by the dedication of individual producers rather than a centralized program. This grassroots movement responds to the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing expectations of a globally conscious consumer base. With no formal regional sustainability certification like neighboring Alentejo's WASP, Setúbal's producers take diverse approaches to sustainability, ranging from organic certification to traditional low-intervention farming. This patchwork of methods allows winemakers to innovate and adapt, though it lacks the unified marketing and standardized practices seen in regions with formal programs. Winemakers in Setúbal are adopting several key sustainable practices in their vineyards. Integrated Protection Management (IPM) is widely used to maintain a balanced ecosystem, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting ecological harmony. Water management is crucial, given the region's hot, dry summers. Traditional dry farming techniques, especially in vineyards with old-vine Castelão, conserve water and enhance grape quality. As global markets increasingly demand environmental responsibility, more producers in Setúbal are likely to formalize these practices, gradually transforming the region into a model of sustainable winemaking.

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Wine Tourism in Península de Setúbal


Wine tourism in the Península de Setúbal is a multifaceted experience that harmoniously blends the region's rich cultural and natural assets. Visitors can embark on a journey through the Rota de Vinhos, an organization dedicated to promoting the region's wine tourism. With its base in a beautifully restored wine cellar in Palmela, the Rota offers diverse activities, from themed driving routes and vineyard picnics to wine courses and unique Sado River cruises. These experiences are designed to immerse visitors in the area's vibrant wine culture, offering a seamless integration of wine, history, and nature. Top wineries such as Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal and José Maria da Fonseca provide engaging tours, combining winemaking with art and history. Guests can explore a mix of modern and historic settings, with opportunities to see African art and centuries-old Portuguese tiles or tour atmospheric old cellars. The region also offers culinary delights, with iconic pairings like Moscatel de Setúbal and Queijo de Azeitão, showcasing the deep connection between local wines and cuisine. This approach highlights how Setúbal's wine tourism is not just about tasting wine, but experiencing a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders.

Best Península de Setúbal Red


Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Botyled Vinho Regional Peninsula De Setúbal Red Wine
Calculus
2022, Cabernet Sauvignon, Peninsula De Setubal
Festivo
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
Castelao, Peninsula De Setubal
Periquita
Perequita
2008, Red Blend, Peninsula De Setubal
Contador De Estorias 2018
Manz
Syrah 60%, Touriga Nacional 30%, Petit Verdot 10%, Penensula De Setubal
Reserva
Monte De Baia
45% Touriga Nacional, 40% Syrah, 15% Alicante Bouschet, Peninsula De Setubal
Colecao Da Familia
Quinta Do Piloto
Castelao, Palmela
Platinum
Waterdog
Touriga Nacional, Peninsula De Setubal
Calculus
2022, Cabernet Sauvignon, Peninsula De Setubal
Anticiclone Red Wine Blend
Anticiclone
2021, Merlot, Peninsula De Setubal
Waterdog
Waterdog
2020, Touriga Nacional, Peninsula De Setubal
Terras Do Po
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
2011, Castelao, Syrah, Peninsula De Setubal
Terras Do Po
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
2010, Castelao, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Setubal
Quinta Da Mimosa
Casa Ermelinda Freitas
2009, Castelao, Palmela
Chão Das Rolas
Chao Das Rolas
2009, Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Vinho Regional Penninsula De Setubal
Reserva
Dona Ermelinda
2010, Castelao, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Palmela
Fat Rooster
2023, Touriga Nacional, Peninsula De Setubal
Herdade De Gâmbia
Herdade De Gambia
2014, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Tempranillo, Peninsula De Setubal
Vinho Tinto
Heredade Da Comporta
2013, Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Peninsula De Setubal
Proeza
Global Wine Co Selection
2009, Cabernet Sauvignon Castelao, Peninsula De Setubal
Vale Das Éguas
Herdade De Cebolal
2013, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Península De Setúbal
Torrão
Herdade Do Portocarro
2015, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Península De Setúbal Regional Wine
Azeitão Vinho Regional Península De Setúbal Red Wine
Jp Azeitao
2014, Syrah, Tempranillo, Peninsula De Setubal
B De Van De M
Quinta Da Bacalhoa
2008, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vinho Regional Peninsula De Setubal
Quinta Da Bacalhôa
Quinta Da Bacalhao
2011, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Peninsula De Setubal


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