Castelao
Castelão is a dark-skinned grape variety that is popular in Portugal. It is mostly planted in the southern parts of the country and can be found in a range of styles from still red and rosé wines to fortified and sparkling examples. The finest Castelão wines come from the Setubal Peninsula, where the terroir is conducive to the production of rich, concentrated wines. Castelão is hardy and thrives in arid climates, but can also produce good wines from cooler, more humid parts of the country. It is mostly blended with other native grape varieties, and can be aged in oak. Synonyms for Castelão include Periquita, Trincadeira, and Bastardo Castico. When paired with hearty dishes such as pork and bean soup or mushroom risotto, Castelão produces a robust dry red wine.