Palmela

Terroir

• Predominantly sandy-textured soils (psamitic regosols, podzolized soils, litholic soils derived from arenaceous material, and brown/red calcareous soils).
• Four soil types eligible for the DO: psamitic regosols, brown/red calcareous soils derived from sandstones, litholic soils derived from arenaceous material, and podzolized soils.
• Mixed subtropical and Mediterranean/maritime climate, with low rainfall and moderate thermal amplitude, influenced by the sea, the Tejo, the Sado, and the Arrábida.
• The region is situated on the Península de Setúbal, a territory embraced by the estuaries of the Tejo and the Sado, to the south of Lisbon.
• The terroir results from the interaction between various microclimates, grape varieties, and soil types, a factor recognised as decisive in shaping the profile of the wines.

• Viticulture in the region dates back to the 8th century BC; the Tartessians (~2000 BC) and the Phoenicians (~10th century BC) spread vine cultivation throughout the Tejo and Sado valleys.
• The royal charter of 1185, granted by D. Afonso Henriques, already mentioned the vineyard and wine of Palmela, marking the region's early institutional recognition.

• Reds: deep garnet colour, aromas of red fruits, preserves, and spices; they soften and refine with ageing.
• Fortified wines: amber colour with golden highlights, aromas of citrus, honey, and dried fruits, yet with a fresh palate.

• Sandy soils (psamitic regosols, podzolized soils) combined with the mixed subtropical/Mediterranean climate yield full-bodied reds of garnet colour and fresh whites with structured acidity.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the caderno de especificações.

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-PT-A1460
• Official trade body site — Comissão Vitivinícola Regional da Península de Setúbal