grape varieties

Periquita

Also called Mortágua, Trincadeira Preta, João de Santarém, Tinta Amarela or Castelão Francês.This variety has a long tradition in Portugal. Even if it was not the favorite grape of the winegrowers because of trustless harvests and to early ripeness. But today the full potential of the small bunches of little dark skinned berries of this variety is used to create smooth and intsenive redwines.
It prospers under hot temperatures on meagre soils, and developes aromes of plums, herbs, wild flowers and chocolate. These aromes can be very concentrated and the wines of this variety very good ability to age in oak barrels.
The concentration of tannins of Trincadeira gives the wines potential for long cellaring. In the cobination with Negra Mole it takes the part as Backbone, gives intensive colour and structure.
More popular than under its other names is this grape as Periquita, named after to José Maria da Fonsecas famous vinard in Azeitão planted with this grape variety.

Negra Mole

This grape variety is properly called Tinta de Madeira or also Tinta Mole.
Tinta Negra Mole is the most used grape for Madeira wine production, more than 60%. Originally it is a crossbreed of Pinot Noir and Grenache vines. The small, black berries grow in dense grapes. As this variety is can be very high in sugar it is able to produce quality wine with higher alcohol level with soft taste of red and dark berries.
In the blend with Castelão Francês it supplies a warm smooth and soft fruit.