terroir
IDENTITY
MOSCATEL
Internationally known as Moscatel de Alexandria, the Moscatel de Setúbal grape variety has been contributing to the region's wine fame since the 14th century. Its significant expansion first took place in the clay and limestone soils of the Arrábida hills and later in the sands of Palmela. In both terroirs, it gives rise to extraordinary fortified wines, which Palmela Wine Society delivers to enthusiasts worldwide. The company has also played a role in reviving the Moscatel Roxo variety, a pinkish variation of the Moscatel family whose wines, after extended aging in barrels, acquire tremendous class and distinction. Overall, Palmela Wine Society sells around 300 thousand bottles of Moscatel per year, making it one of the largest national producers of this type of wine.
TERRITORY
PALMELA
The Palmela region encompasses two distinct terroirs: the Arrábida mountain area, closer to the sea and influenced by the Atlantic, with hillside soils predominantly clay and limestone; and the Palmela area, with poorer sandy soils and a hotter, drier climate.
The wines of Palmela Wine Society originate from these two terroirs, drawing elegance and freshness from the grapes of Arrábida and structure and concentration from the grapes of Palmela. Many of these grapes are of the Castelão red variety, a grape that has been adapted to these soils and climates since 1830, and which the company's viticulturists and winemakers know like no other.
SETÚBAL
PENINSULA
The vineyards arrived in the lands of the Setúbal Peninsula, located between the Sado estuary and the mouth of the Tagus, over two thousand years ago, finding unique conditions for the development of identity-rich varieties with strong personalities, such as Moscatel de Setúbal and Castelão. However, they are not the only ones to take full advantage of the natural conditions in the region.
Many other Portuguese and international grape varieties showcase their best qualities here. In the vast vineyard area at its disposal, Palmela Wine Society works with diverse grape varieties such as the white Arinto, Fernão Pires, Roupeiro, and Sauvignon Blanc, and the reds Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In this complex interplay of soils, climates, and grape varieties, we create balanced and profound wines, intense and elegant, wines that honor the land that bore them.