A welcoming fire blazing for a light lunch today in Henley-on-Thames. Their current house rosé is a cracker. It’s made with the Castelão grape in the historic Setubal wine region of Portugal. Those of you who holiday in the Algarve will know this variety as Periquita, a reliable everyday red. But on the sandy soils of the Pegoes district it shows its true colours, including this marvellous russet pink. There is a hint of wild strawberry on the rose, then a warm, rounded finish. Ideal with a selection of snacks such as Parmesan croquettes, crispy squid or buttermilk chicken. I award this Cintila pink 17.5 points.

About this Vineyard

Founded after the Portuguese government granted winegrowers land in the village of Pegoes, the Cooperativa Santo Isidro de Pegoes has become one of Portugal’s most celebrated cooperatives. With over 1,200 hectares of vineyard on the Setubal Peninsula – nestled between the Tagus estuary and the Sado nature reserves – and led by the highly respected winemaker Jaime Quendera, it was named Portuguese Wine Producer of the Year by the IWSC. The sandy, mineral-rich soils and cooling Atlantic winds create ideal conditions for indigenous varieties like Castelao, delivering exceptional quality at remarkably accessible prices.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.