Setúbal

Overview

The Península de Setúbal, often simply called Setúbal, stretches south of Lisbon and is best known for Moscatel de Setúbal, one of Portugal's great fortified dessert wines. Much of the peninsula is flat and sandy, but the Serra da Arrábida rises along the south coast with limestone and clay-limestone soils where Moscatel excels.

The warm, sunny Mediterranean climate concentrates the Muscat grapes into rich, honeyed, orange-scented fortified wines. Dry wines are also made, especially red Castelão-based blends from Palmela and fresh whites from Fernão Pires.

Key Varietals

• Moscatel de SetúbalThe fortified Muscat specialty, yielding lusciously sweet wines with orange blossom, honey, and spice.
• CastelãoProduces warm, fruity red wines with cherry, herb, and soft tannins in the Setúbal Peninsula.
• Fernão PiresA versatile aromatic white used for fresh still whites and some fortified styles.
• Touriga NacionalAdds depth, color, and structure to dry red blends in the region.