Waterdog Red
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Loving, loyal and intelligent, Portuguese Waterdogs are a treasured breed originally from the southern coast of Portugal – near where the José Maria da Fonseca winery originates.
- José Maria da Fonseca winey was chosen as one of the top 100 wineries in 2020! – Wine & Spirits
Varietal Composition: 70% Castelão, 30% Touriga Nacional
Elaboration: Waterdog is grown in clay and lime soils and is vinified with skin contact at 28ºC. It is aged six months in French and American oak. The bottles should be laid down at a temperature of 12ºC and 60% humidity.
Tasting Notes: Waterdog has a fruity palate with notes of red berries and a touch of wood. You’ll also find floral aromas, with notes of roses and violets, characteristic of the Touriga Nacional grape variety. The palate is smoke and spicy from wood but with very soft tannins. Waterdog has a long finish.
PRESS
2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Domingos Soares Franco is the first Portuguese winemaker to graduate from the highly regarded viticulture and enology program at the University of California at Davis. It has paid off. In March of 2021, he was named “Winemaker of the Year for Fortified Wines” by the wine publication “Vinho Grandes Escolhas.” Under his supervision, his team of winemakers make José Maria da Fonseca a pioneer in enology in Portugal and the world. Their winemaking heritage dates to 1834.
The story of José Maria da Fonseca, is the story of a family that goes back almost two centuries and more than seven generations and whose winemaking heritage dates to 1834. Soares credits his uncle, Antonio, and a small group of winemakers as the cornerstone of today’s Portuguese wine business.