Castelao
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Periquita
Castelao is a red wine grape with signature aromas of tobacco, red currant, dried herbs. Structure: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for cherry/currant fruit with herbal tones and medium-plus structure.
- Check tannin as present and age-worthy while fruit remains red-toned rather than black-heavy.
Confidence signals
- Red-currant/cherry with herbal spice
- Medium-plus tannin and body
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Setubal · Alentejo · Lisboa
- Classic styles: Atlantic-influenced Portuguese red with firm structure · Medium-plus bodied red with herbal-fruit profile
Common questions
Is Castelao a red or white grape variety?
Castelao is a red wine grape variety.
What does Castelao smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Castelao include tobacco, red currant and dried herbs. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Castelao?
Documented tells for Castelao: Look for cherry/currant fruit with herbal tones and medium-plus structure. and Check tannin as present and age-worthy while fruit remains red-toned rather than black-heavy..
What is Castelao most often confused with in blind tasting?
Castelao is most commonly confused with Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Touriga Nacional. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Castelao grown?
Classic regions for Castelao include Setubal, Alentejo and Lisboa.