Pegos Claros "Grande Escolha", 2018

… one hundred years of history paired with authentic charisma & Castelão

The wines of HerdadePegos Clarosrepresent without a doubt the best that is vinified in this unique terroir of the "DOP Palmela" appellation: ancient vines of the indigenous Castelão grape variety, the oldest being 100 years old, sandy soils and no irrigation, as well as subsequent traditional processing of the grapes, which are still gently trodden underfoot (mashed) and fermented in the open "lagares" (large concrete vats in which the grapes are also mashed). It doesn't get more authentic than this. The grapes are sorted in the vineyards according to the age of the vines: 100 years, 70 years, 50 years, etc. The advanced age of the vines reduces the yield considerably, but at the same time concentrates the extract and aromas. Since almost 100% of the winery's vineyards are planted with the indigenous Castelão grape variety, this creates a distinctive, authentic character with its own style, which has earned the highest ratings even from leading international wine critics such as Robert Parker, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, etc. All wines are aged in 225-liter and 500-liter French oak barrels. The winery has been located at its original location in the Palmela district, the DOP appellation of the same name, since 1920. In addition to the sandy soils, it benefits from the Mediterranean climate with strong Atlantic influences so characteristic of the Setúbal Peninsula.