THE FAMILY

HISTORY

The story of Periquita is interwoven with the story of José Maria da Fonseca itself, beginning in the 1820s when the founding father of the company, José Maria da Fonseca arrived in Lisbon and bought several local properties. One such purchase, most probably in 1846, was Cova da Periquita. It was on that property that José Maria da Fonseca planted red grapes of the Castelão variety, which he brought most probably from the province of Ribatejo. Although we are not sure when the first vintage was produced we are certain that by 1850 Periquita was already made. This wine is Domingos Soares Franco tribute to this fortunate marriage between the variety and the region, brought together by the Founder of this company. The Castelão Francês which, originated from Old Vineyards, was footrodden in small “lagares”.

José Maria da Fonseca is the oldest and one of the most prestigious wineries in Portugal, producing wines, Port and Setubal Moscatel. The Soares Franco family owns José Maria da Fonseca and has been involved in the wine business for almost 200 years. With over 650 hectares of land under vine in our main wine regions: Península de Setúbal, Alentejo and Douro, José Maria Fonseca also boasts Portugal’s largest winery, with capacity to produce 6.5 million litres of wine in a totally computerised operation.

Grapes Varieties

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