CASA ERMELINDA FREITAS is a 5th generation Portuguese winery dating back to 1920. It operates in 3 of the major Portuguese winegrowing regions of PENINSULA DE SETÚBAL, VINHOS VERDES and DOURO. Most of its vineyards are located in Fernando Pó, a privileged area of Palmela, in Peninsula de Setúbal, Southern Portugal. The southern soils are similar to the beach sand and rich in underground water, which plays an important role in the maturation of the grapes. The breeze of the nearby rivers refreshes the vineyards during dry summers, imparting smoothness and elegance to the wines. In these soils the CASTELÃO red variety prospers, although nowadays the company works with 30 different grape varieties. Currently annual production is around 25 million litres making the company one of the biggest Portuguese producers. Since 1999 CASA ERMELINDA FREITAS' wines have won over 2000 awards globally.