Sandstone I.G.T. / Vinho Regional Península de Setúbal Castelão – Shiraz (Casa Ermelinda Freitas)
Producer: Casa Ermelinda Freitas (Portugal) Family-owned winery established in 1920, based in Fernando Pó (Palmela) on the Setúbal Peninsula. Approximately 550 hectares of vineyards on sandy, water-rich soils between the Sado and Tagus rivers. River breezes moderate the hot summers, contributing to the wines’ smoothness and elegance.
Name & Classification: Sandstone Castelão – Shiraz (also labelled Sandstone Castelão & Shiraz) Vinho Regional (IGT) Península de Setúbal.
Grape varieties: Typically 90% Castelão + 10% Shiraz (Syrah). Castelão is the dominant indigenous variety of the region; the small Shiraz component adds colour, structure and spice.
Typical alcohol content: 14–14.5% vol.
Vinification: Fermentation followed by approximately 4 months of ageing in French oak barrels.
Tasting profile (compiled from consistent retailer and competition notes):
- Colour: Intense ruby red.
- Aroma: Ripe red and black fruit (cherry, plum, blackberry), with notes of vanilla, sweet spice and light oak influence.
- Taste: Concentrated and full-bodied, with good-quality tannins, silky texture, balanced fruit and a long, persistent finish. Semi-dry / elegantly dry style with low residual sugar. Often described as vibrant, complex and approachable — sometimes compared to Primitivo in character.
- Finish: Medium to long, fruity and slightly spicy.
Serving temperature: 15–18 °C.
Food pairings: Grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, game, barbecue dishes, spicy stews and hard cheeses. Also enjoyable on its own.
Additional notes: Part of the same Sandstone range as the pure Shiraz. Vivino ratings typically around 4.1/5. Specific vintages (e.g. 2023, 2024, 2025) may show minor differences, but the overall profile remains consistent: ripe fruit, moderate oak influence and good drinkability.