Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao Shiraz

Mundus Vini has named Casa Ermelinda Freitas the best Portuguese producer at the Summer Tasting 2022 The quality of Portuguese wines continues to rise significantly and is now higher than ever before. Casa Ermelinda is a special player. For a century, they have been scoring high marks for their high-quality wines. This example is no exception. The Sand Stone Castelao is a red wine with a rich flavor and just the right amount of elegance. A beautiful reflection of what Portugal, and especially the Douro region, has to offer.

4 months of wood aging for Casa Ermelinda Sand Stone Castelao

Near Portugal's capital lies the small village of Aguas de Moura. Casa Ermelinda Freitas winery has been located here since 1920. For over 100 years, this winery has produced superb wines. Today, the fourth generation is at the helm, and Leonor Freitas is a master at optimizing the land's indigenous varieties. She has grown the estate from just 60 hectares of vineyards to approximately 440 hectares. She has planted a variety of grape varieties, including Castelão and Shiraz for this Sand Stone Castelao. The grapes are grown in beautiful vineyards in the Douro region, where they take full advantage of the ideal climate and ripen optimally. The grapes are carefully and selectively harvested. After harvest, the Castelão and Shiraz grapes are taken directly to the winery. Fermentation follows, taking place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels where it ages for another four months.

The elegant impressions of Sand Stone Castelao

The result is a ruby-red wine with aromas of red fruit and light notes of wood and vanilla, thanks to the oak aging. Rich in tannins and particularly complex on the palate. The balanced acidity also lends the wine the necessary elegance, making this Sand Stone Castelao anything but heavy. The finish is lingering and full-bodied.