Viúva Gomes Pirata da Viúva Castelão 2022

Viúva Gomes is a historic winery in Almoçageme, within the DOC Colares on Portugal's Sintra coast, run by the fourth and fifth generations with a single aim, to preserve the traditional wines of the region. Colares is a rare appellation whose vines grow in deep coastal sands that resisted the phylloxera louse, allowing many vines to survive ungrafted on their own roots. The sandy soils and the Atlantic influence produce lean, high-acid, aromatic reds, and here the Castelão grape is picked at a low 10.5 percent alcohol. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel rather than wood, preserving the freshness, the primary fruit and the wine's saline signature without oak influence. The colour is a deep, bright red. The nose shows fresh cherry and raspberry with a floral note and a distinct coastal, briny edge. The palate is light-bodied and vivid, with crisp acidity, fine tannin and a savoury, saline finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees. It pairs with grilled fish, seafood rice, poultry and pork.