Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz

Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz Península de Setúbal

Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz comes from the cellars of Casa Ermelinda Freitas, a family winery run since 1920 and now in its fourth generation, with Leonor Freitas at the helm. The Sand Stone series showcases how this winery combines indigenous Portuguese grapes like Castelão with international varieties to create characterful wines. At Perfectewijn, you'll find this Portuguese red wine as a full-bodied, modern interpretation of Castelão with a touch of Shiraz for added strength. Where does Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz originate? From the Portuguese wine region of Península de Setúbal, in the DO Palmela sub-region, where Casa Ermelinda Freitas owns 240 hectares of vineyards.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz come from Portugal, from the Regional Península de Setúbal region south of Lisbon. Within this region, the vineyards are located in the DO Palmela sub-region, an appellation closely linked to the Castelão grape. Casa Ermelinda Freitas has 240 hectares of vineyards here, offering a wide choice of plots and plantings to create precisely the right style. As with many Portuguese producers, the use of indigenous grape varieties, often still unknown in the Netherlands, plays a significant role, giving the wines their unique character. This Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz is a prime example, with a Portuguese base and an international twist.

Vinification and maturation

Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz is made up of 90% Castelão and 10% Shiraz. After harvest, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures, preserving the pure fruit aromas and fresh structure. The wine undergoes extensive maceration, a longer soaking of the skins and juice that adds color, tannin, and depth to the flavor. The wine is then aged for four months in French oak, which imparts notes of vanilla and a light touch of spice without masking the fruit. With 14.5% alcohol, 12g/l residual sugar, 4.8g/l acidity, and a pH of 3.8, this is a distinctly ripe, concentrated style that remains balanced by sufficient freshness.

Grape composition

Castelão – DO Palmela
Castelão makes up 90% of the blend and is the classic blue grape variety of DO Palmela, responsible for the ruby ​​red colour, the core of red fruit and the soft but present tannin structure.

Shiraz – DO Palmela
Shiraz makes up 10% of the blend and adds extra concentration, spice and length, giving the wine a little more depth and power alongside the Portuguese base of Castelão.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz reveals a bright ruby ​​red color. The nose reveals aromas reminiscent of ripe red fruit, complemented by notes of vanilla and a light touch of spice from its French oak aging. On the palate, it reveals a rich, full-bodied style with soft tannins that make the wine round and approachable. The finish is warm and lingering, with red fruit and a hint of spice. Serve this Portuguese red wine with grilled meats, a good piece of light poultry, game dishes, or strong, robust cheeses to fully express the wine's structure and character.