Wines Península de Setúbal Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Leonor Freitas - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Casa Ermelinda Freitas’s Cuvée Leonor Freitas 2023 from the Península de Setúbal IGP is a red wine that stands as a fine representative of Portugal’s dynamic viticultural scene. Typically, the region’s red blends combine local varieties such as Castelão, Touriga Nacional and occasionally international grapes like Syrah, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, though individual cuvée compositions may vary. The 2023 vintage benefits from a relatively mild winter and a well-balanced growing season, which allowed for optimal ripening. Vinification at Casa Ermelinda Freitas often highlights a meticulous approach, focusing on gentle extraction and controlled fermentation temperatures to maintain fresh fruit character and supple tannins, sometimes complemented with ageing in French or American oak to lend subtle spice and structure.

The Península de Setúbal, just south of Lisbon, offers an intriguing mosaic of terroirs. Influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic, the region experiences cooling coastal breezes, which help balance the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Sandy soils with portions of clay and limestone create ideal conditions for robust, aromatic reds with lively acidity and ripe tannins. This area has a proud winemaking history, dating back to Roman times, and is equally celebrated for both its fortified Moscatel wines and increasingly, for its expressive dry reds.

With its likely vibrant red fruit notes, soft spice and approachable tannins, this wine is versatile at the table. It would pair beautifully with grilled meats such as pork tenderloin or lamb chops brushed with aromatic herbs. Traditional Portuguese dishes like carne de porco à alentejana, combining pork and clams, or chouriço stew would highlight the cuvée’s savoury and fruity interplay. Mediterranean-style vegetable roasts and mature cheeses like Azeitão also make fine companions.

Serve this red at 16-18°C, allowing a brief aeration to enhance its bouquet and complexity. Enjoy it now for its youthful energy, though it may develop further with a year or two of cellaring.