Discovering the Setúbal Peninsula: An Unforgettable Wine Tour Experience
A Deep Dive into the Wines of Setúbal: A Staff Adventure in Portugal
Our team recently embarked on an incredible three-day adventure to the Setúbal Peninsula in Portugal. This immersive journey wasn't just about tasting wines; it was a chance to delve into the region's rich winemaking heritage and discover some truly exceptional producers. We're excited to share some highlights, particularly focusing on the iconic Adega de Palmela and the innovative José Maria da Fonseca.
Day 1: Unveiling Setúbal's Treasures
Our first stop was at the historic Adega de Palmela cooperative, established in 1952. Here, export manager Mário Cravidão welcomed us with open arms. Towering cork trees stood sentinel as we entered, a fitting introduction to this renowned producer. We descended into a cellar brimming with barrels, where we savoured the exquisite Moscatel de Setúbal. The first sips revealed a symphony of rich orange blossom and marmalade notes, perfectly complemented by delightful cinnamon and fennel-flavoured biscuits. The longer-aged Moscatel offered a deeper, more complex experience, with hints of caramel and mocha that tantalise our taste buds.
A Family Passion: Quinta do Piloto
Next, we journeyed to Quinta do Piloto, a family-owned vineyard now in its third generation. The passionate winemaker, Filipe Cardoso, personally guided us through their practices. Filipe's dedication to low-intervention, low-carbon winemaking was evident. He uses gravity-fed auto vinification in cement tanks, reflecting his commitment to producing wines he himself enjoys drinking. The breathtaking views of the coast and river from the vineyard's location on limestone hills added to the charm of this visit.
Culinary Delights and Innovative Experiments at José Maria da Fonseca
Lunch at José Maria da Fonseca was a gastronomic highlight. Maria Barros expertly paired a range of their wines with each course, creating a truly memorable experience. The tour of their cellars revealed fascinating traditions, including a room where a barrel from each Moscatel de Setúbal vintage is kept under lock and key, opened only for special occasions. We also learned about their innovative ageing experiments, which include playing music to the wine and even ageing wine by ship – a practice that accelerates flavour development through the voyage's vibrations.
Day 2: Exploring Diversity and Heritage
Day two began at Adega de Pegões, a cooperative renowned for creating approachable, high-quality wines. This stop set the tone for a day filled with diverse winemaking philosophies and techniques. Later, at Fernão Pó Winery, we met an enthusiastic winemaker who thrives on experimentation. His passion for exploring different grapes and yeast strains resulted in unique wines that reflect his dedication to the craft.
A Journey Through Time: Herdade de Espirra and Dinner with Renowned Winemakers
Our exploration continued at the picturesque Herdade de Espirra vineyard. Five acres of vines, alongside roaming peacocks, created a truly idyllic setting. Here, we explored the potential of the distinctive Castelao grape, with some vines exceeding 50 years old. These grapes produce wines of remarkable complexity, traditionally made in Lagars and foot-trodden.
The day concluded with a special dinner hosted by Luís Simões of Soc. Vinicola de Palmela and Horácio Simões. Here, we were privileged to taste exceptionally old Moscatel de Setúbal wines, including a remarkable 1979 vintage. Each sip revealed layers of rich and intricate flavours, a testament to the exceptional ageing potential of these wines.
Day 3: Unveiling New Discoveries: Speed Tasting
Our final day featured a "speed tasting" session at Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Setúbal. This rapid yet informative session allowed us to sample wines from four exciting producers: A Serenada, Catralvos Wines, Cadeado Wines, and FR Wines. This diverse selection provided a fitting conclusion to our comprehensive tour.
Beyond the Tasting: A Lasting Impression
This trip to Setúbal was far more than just tasting wines. We gained a profound appreciation for the region's rich winemaking heritage, forged lasting friendships, and discovered exceptional producers pushing boundaries. We're currently awaiting the arrival of samples from some of the other wineries we visited, and we can't wait to share our thoughts with you soon. Stay tuned to discover these exciting new additions that might soon grace our shelves!