Castelão is a Portuguese black grape whose style can shift with climate and crop level. Warm, dry sites in the south—especially old sandy vineyards around Palmela—can produce structured wines with tannin, acidity and redcurrant or plum notes. Cooler sites can yield more delicate wines. DNA-based Portuguese records identify its parentage as Cayetana Blanca and Alfrocheiro Preto.
Continue readingTouriga Franca is a Portuguese black grape with a central role in the Douro, where it contributes to both dry reds and Port. The Douro authority describes regional wines with intense colour, blackberry and floral notes, dense body and firm but polished structure. It is often blended with Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, so the variety is frequently encountered as part of a regional composition.
Continue readingBaga is a late-ripening Portuguese black grape most closely identified with Bairrada, although it is also grown elsewhere in the Beiras. Its compact clusters and susceptibility to rot make fruit health and harvest timing important. When ripe, it can give firm, high-acid reds with dark fruit and savoury notes, yet WSET also documents lighter red and sparkling styles.
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