José Maria da Fonseca Waterdog Red

Key characteristics:

José Maria da Fonseca Waterdog Red is a delightful and distinctive red blend, celebrating the spirit of the Portuguese Waterdog, a loyal and intelligent breed native to the southern coast of Portugal, near where the winery originates. This wine is crafted with a meticulous blend of Castelão and Touriga Nacional grapes, aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak to develop its unique character and complexity.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: 70% Castelão, 30% Touriga Nacional
• Appearance: Bright ruby red.
• Aroma: Floral with roses and violets, characteristic of the Touriga Nacional grape variety, complemented by hints of sweet spices and chocolate, alongside ripe berries, blueberries, and black currant.
• Taste: Juicy and flavorful, presenting a harmonious mixture of red and black berries in a medium to full body. It is supported by firm, yet soft, tannins, offering a well-balanced palate with notes of dark fruits, spice, oak, and a touch of wood.
• Region: Hailing from Setúbal, Portugal, the region is known for its rich wine heritage and the winery’s origins, benefitting from unique clay-limestone soils.
• Pairing: An excellent companion to BBQ, roasts, and pasta dishes, it also pairs wonderfully with red or white meats and various cheeses.

Overall impression:

This wine offers a tasty, sessionable, and crowd-pleasing experience with a complex and satisfying taste that culminates in a smooth and balanced finish.

Extra notes:

• José Maria da Fonseca was recognized as one of the top 100 wineries in 2020 by Wine & Spirits magazine.
• The winemaker, Domingos Soares Franco, a pioneer in Portuguese enology and the first Portuguese winemaker to graduate from the University of California at Davis, was named “Winemaker of the Year for Fortified Wines” in March 2021 by Vinho Grandes Escolhas.
• This wine has received accolades, including a Bronze award at the Decanter World Wine Awards.