Quinta de Chocapalha Castelão Tinto
The wine boasts a deep ruby-red color with aromas of fresh raspberry, ripe cherry, red plum, and blackberry, accented by violet, cocoa, dried herbs, and subtle earthy spice. On the palate, it offers an elegant experience, with flavors of red fruit and subtle notes of cocoa, licorice, pepper, and earth. Originally acquired in the 1980’s, Quinta de Chocapalha is a family estate in the Lisboa wine region. The estate focuses on both indigenous Portuguese grapes and selected international varieties, with its flagship Quinta de Chocapalha range emphasizing specific vineyard parcels and varietal character.
Classification: DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada)
Grape Varietal: Castelão
Feature: Sustainable, Vegan
Country: Portugal
Region: Lisboa
Appellation: Lisboa
Grape Profile: Castelão is an important indigenous Portuguese red grape with particularly deep roots in the country's coastal regions. It typically produces wines showing raspberry, red cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, dried herbs, pepper, and earthy spice. Its naturally noticeable acidity and tannin allows it to produce both youthful, fruit-driven wines and more structured examples capable of aging.
Region Profile: The Lisboa region sits northwest of Lisbon, featuring a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. Vineyards can benefit from cooler evenings and good diurnal range, which helps preserve acidity and freshness even in warmer reds. The soils in parts of this zone include calcareous clay, gravel and sand, which support concentration with elegance.
Pair with: Grilled & roasted meats. Hearty stews & casseroles. Charcuterie & rich cheeses like gouda and Portuguese Queijo da Serra. Vegetarian options like bean stews or roasted mushrooms dishes.
