Castelão is perhaps the oldest grape variety in Portugal and the one with the most widespread distribution. It was first mentioned in a treatise by Rui Fernandes in 1531 as Catelão. In some regions of Portugal it is also misleadingly referred to as Trincadeira, but the two varieties have nothing in common with each other. In some regions of Portugal, especially on the Peninsula de Setúbal, it is called Periquita. The Castelão was created from a natural crossing of the Cayetana Blanca variety, which is widespread in southern Spain, and the Portuguese Alfrocheiro variety. The Castelão can adapt very well and is also quite resistant with its hard wood. It buds early and ripens relatively early, developing medium-sized, compact grapes with thick-skinned berries that sometimes do not ripen at the same time and contain little juice. The yields are therefore low. From the north to the south, from the inland to the Atlantic, the Castelão has found a wide distribution in Portugal. However, its main growing areas are in Alentejo, Lisboa, Setúbal and Tejo. On the sandy soils of Lisboa and Setúbal, Castelão produces dark-colored wines of good stature that are also suitable for aging in barriques. On the calcareous soils inland, however, the wines are lighter and contain more acid. These are not suitable for long storage and should be drunk young. Plantings outside Portugal are not known.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Bastardo Espanhol, Bastardo Castico, Castelana, Castelao Frances, Castelao Real, Casteleao, Castellam, Castellao,Castellao Portugues, Castico, Joao de Santarém, Joao de Periquita, Joao Pinto Mendes, Joao Santarem, Joao Mendes, Joao de Santarem Tinto, Lariao Preto, Mortagua de Vide Branca, Santarem, Santarem Tinto, Perikvita, Periquita, Pirriquita, Piriquita, Olho de Lebre, Piriquito
