VM-Castelao COZs 2021

The VM-Castelao from the Portuguese wine company Da Cruz e Teles is an artisanal red wine that stands out for its fresh and crunchy taste, produced in the Bairrada area using only grapes from the native Castelão variety. This black grape variety is more or less widespread throughout Portugal, where it gives rise to wines of various styles and types, both as a single varietal and in blends. Among the reasons behind the particular appreciation of this grape by winemakers is its remarkable resistance and adaptability, as it can be cultivated in both hot, arid climates and cold, humid ones. Generally, it produces colored and structured wines, quite harsh if the grapes are not properly handled.

COZs VM-Castelao is made from pure Castelão grapes grown under certified organic conditions on clay-limestone soils. Following manual harvesting, the bunches are vinified whole in red through spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with skin contact, excluding the use of additives and enological aids.enological. Once the fermentation process is complete, the mass is placed in French oak barrels for aging for 11 months, after which the wine is bottled without undergoing clarification, filtration, and sulfitation operations.

Visually, the VM-Castelao from COZs Da Cruz e Teles presents an intense ruby red color. The aromatic spectrum evokes hints of cherry and red blueberry, soon joined by aromatic herbs and sweet spices. Rich and juicy on the palate, with a crunchy freshness that accompanies integrated tannins, leading to mineral hints on the finish. The VM-Castelao can be paired with a wide range of foods, such as cheese and cured meat platters or first and second courses based on various meats.