Sandstone I.G.T. / Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal Shiraz (Casa Ermelinda Freitas)
Producer: Casa Ermelinda Freitas (Portugal) A family-owned winery established in 1920, located in Fernando Pó (Palmela municipality) on the Setúbal Peninsula. It manages approximately 550 hectares of vineyards on sandy, water-rich soils similar to beach sand, situated between the Sado and Tagus rivers. River breezes cool the vines during dry summers, contributing to the wines’ smoothness and elegance.
Name & Classification: Sandstone Shiraz Vinho Regional (IGT) Península de Setúbal (formerly known as Terras do Sado).
Grape variety: 100% Shiraz (Syrah).
Typical alcohol content: 14–14.5% vol.
Vinification: Fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless-steel tanks and large wooden vats, followed by approximately 4 months of ageing in French oak barrels.
Tasting profile (based on consistent notes from multiple sources):
- Colour: Dense purple-red / deep ruby with purple highlights.
- Aroma: Notes of blackberry, sour cherry, blueberry and redcurrant, complemented by barrel-derived balsamic nuances, cloves, herbs, black pepper, and occasionally cocoa or a light smoky note.
- Taste: Elegantly dry (very low residual sugar), full-bodied with a wonderfully velvety texture, ripe dark fruit, soft yet present tannins, good balance and freshness, and a pleasant medium-to-long spicy-fruit finish.
Serving temperature: 15–18 °C.
Food pairings: Grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, barbecue dishes, spicy stews, stuffed peppers, vegetable couscous with meatballs, hard cheeses. Also enjoyable on its own.
Additional notes: A typical Southern Portuguese red style — fruity, approachable, full of character without excessive heaviness. Vivino ratings average around 4.1/5 based on thousands of reviews. Specific vintages (e.g. 2021–2024) may show minor variations, but the overall profile remains consistent.