Made at Jose Maria da Donseca, the 2011 Periquita is listed as the  original Vinho Regional Peninsula de Setubal. First made in 1850, the modern example is still laid-back, warm and relaxed as is the Portuguese lifestyle.

This 13% alcohol red is made from Castelao 74%, Trincadeira 14%, and Aragonez 12%. It’s made to drink with in five to six years, but I’ve aged them for a decade and they mellow. Few wines under $10 have as much flavor and style, and “yes,” it’s a food wine. A quick and simple Pizza was perfect with this rustic Old World wine. It scored an excellent 15+ points on the 20-point Dionysian scale.  Dionysian Maynard Johnston  loved it. In vino veritas.