Setúbal, Portugal

Oenologist: Domingos Soares Franco

Environmental Practice: Sustainable agriculture, Veggie Friendly

Owned & managed by the same family for close to 200 years (one of the oldest producers of table wines & Setúbal Moscatel in Portugal), the focus has always been on updating & looking ahead. A state-of-the-art winery – to rival the best anywhere in the world – results in wines that ally the accumulated experience of history with the most advanced winemaking technology.

Over & above all the resources used in producing its wines, it is the passion & commitment to the art of winemaking that best characterises the work of José Maria da Fonseca.

Moscatel masters, with a passion for

Cognac & Armagnac

  • Moscatel de Setúbal - 2018 & 2019

    JMF1-MS - Setúbal - Moscatel de Setúbal -

    2018 - 17% | 2019 - 18%

    Moscatel de Setúbal, produced & bottled by José Maria da Fonseca, from the Moscatel de Setúbal grape & aged in oak barrels. Using their exceptional 2017 harvest, with all the adversities of drought & extreme heat, it truly shows the terroirs exceptional quality & complexity. A sweet treat with real finesse all wrapped up in a beautiful box.

    Aged in used oak as to impart less characteristics of the oak, yet keeping its softening effects on the wine. No ageing in bottle is necessary due to its natural occurring oxidation, meaning this wine will (if kept properly) last many months after opening, with no change in profile.

    In the glass you can really see the beautiful colour of this amber nectar, with citrus, orange peel & ripe apricots on the nose. Followed on the palate by cinnamon, hints of dried fruit, a smooth roasted hazelnut, with a surprisingly persistent finish.

    Serve at a temperature of 10ºC with fruit, ice-cream or sorbet; as a dessert wine serve at 16ºC with apple crumble, Sicilian lemon tart & any dessert containing honey or almond.

  • *SOLD OUT VINTAGE* DSF Superior Cognac - 2001

    JMF2-MS - Setúbal - Moscatel de Setúbal - 19%

    Cognac Domingos Soares Franco, winemaker & vice-president is the youngest of the two representatives of the sixth generation of the family that manages José Maria da Fonseca. As both Vice-President & senior winemaker of the company Domingos has become a prominent figure in the field of Portuguese winemaking & viticulture. Although all José Maria da Fonseca’s wines are of his making, some are particularly special to him. Labelled “Domingos Soares Franco Private Collection”. Continuing with the enthusiasm & passion which Domingos Soares Franco has developed his winemaking experiences, we present you the Private Collection Domingos Soares Franco Moscatel de Setúbal.

    This Moscatel was fortified with Cognac, which makes this wine unique in terms of complexity & structure.

    Tasting Notes: On the nose, you find lush apricots, mingling with yellow plum & a refreshing orange peel acidity. On the palate, roasted hazelnuts & citrus burst from the wine, dancing on your tongue, with an endless finish.

  • DSF Superior Armagnac - 2008

    JMF3-MS - Setúbal - Moscatel de Setúbal - 17.5%

    Domingos Soares Franco, winemaker & vice-president is the youngest of the two representatives of the sixth generation of the family that manages José Maria da Fonseca. As both Vice-President & senior winemaker of the company Domingos has become a prominent figure in the field of Portuguese winemaking & viticulture. Although all José Maria da Fonseca’s wines are of his making, some are particularly special to him. Labelled “Domingos Soares Franco Private Collection”. Vinification: Fermentation stopped by adding brandy, in this case from Armagnac region.

    Tasting Notes: Ripe caramelised banana, juicy pear & nougat aromas, with hazelnuts, pine nuts & almonds wrapped in caramelized sugar on the palate. With a very long finish.

    Serving Suggestion: As an aperitif served at 10ºC or as a dessert wine serve at 16ºC.

O%riginal ALCOHOL Free WINES

  • O%riginal White Free - 2022

    Setúbal - 100% Moscatel - 0.5%

    Winemaking Process: José Maria da Fonseca pioneered the creation of the first Portuguese alcohol-free wines, including the brand O%riginal. This wine, made from 100% Moscatel de Setúbal grapes, undergoes fermentation at low temperatures. Through a gentle physical process called spinning cone, the alcohol is carefully removed while preserving the wine's delicate aromas and flavors. The resulting O%riginal wine is an authentic, non-alcoholic experience that captures the essence of a real wine.

    Tasting Notes: The O%riginal alcohol-free wine from José Maria da Fonseca offers a refreshing and delightful taste. Its lime green color is visually appealing, while the aroma showcases a blend of citrus and floral notes. On the palate, this wine is smooth and fruity with hints of orange blossom, leaving a crisp and fresh finish. The O%riginal wine provides a sensory experience that is both satisfying and invigorating.

    Food Pairing: For the best enjoyment, serve the O%riginal alcohol-free wine chilled at 5°C. This wine pairs exceptionally well with fish and seafood dishes, enhancing their flavors. The smooth and fruity profile, along with the citrus and floral notes, complements the delicate nature of these culinary delights. Whether it's grilled fish or a seafood platte.

  • O%riginal Rose Free - 2022

    Setúbal - 100% Syrah - 0.5%

    Winemaking Process: José Maria da Fonseca, a true pioneer in the industry, introduced the first alcohol-free wines in Portugal. The brand O%riginal was created to reflect the exceptional qualities of the product itself—a genuine, authentic wine without the alcohol. Crafted from 100% Syrah grapes using traditional winemaking methods, the wine undergoes a careful physical process to gently remove the alcohol while preserving its delicate aromas and flavors. The result is O%riginal, a remarkable alcohol-free wine that provides the complete wine experience without compromising on taste.

    Tasting Notes: The O%riginal alcohol-free wine from José Maria da Fonseca presents itself as an enticing rosé. Its salmon color catches the eye, while the aroma reveals notes of spiced tea, red fruits, blueberry, and blackcurrant. On the palate, this wine is fresh and crunchy, offering a delightful burst of blueberry and currant flavors. The finish is medium in length, leaving a satisfying sensation. O%riginal delivers a captivating taste experience that showcases the essence of a quality rosé, even without the presence of alcohol.

    Food Pairing: To fully appreciate the O%riginal alcohol-free wine, serve it chilled at a temperature of 5°C. This versatile wine pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. It complements beef dishes with its fruity and flavorful profile.

  • O%riginal RED Free - 2021 & 2022

    Setúbal - 100% Syrah - 0.5%

    Winemaking Process: O%riginal offers a genuine and authentic wine experience without the alcohol, delivering a complete sensory journey. Crafted from the Syrah grape variety, the wine is meticulously produced using traditional winemaking methods. Through a gentle physical process called spinning cone, the alcohol is carefully removed while preserving the wine's delicate aromas and flavors. The result is an O%riginal wine that captures the essence of a real wine, offering a truly unique drinking experience.

    Tasting Notes: The O%riginal alcohol-free wine by José Maria da Fonseca showcases a vibrant ruby color. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and raspberries with a subtle touch of spice. The palate delivers a refreshing experience, characterized by a perfect balance of freshness and wood notes. The wine exhibits well-rounded tannins that contribute to its harmonious profile. With a medium finish, O%riginal provides a delightful and satisfying taste that rivals its alcoholic counterparts.

    Food Pairing: Serve it chilled but not cold as a white. Its fruity and balanced nature makes it an ideal companion for beef-based dishes, bringing out the flavors in a complementary way. It also complements the bold and savory characteristics of pizzas, making it a fantastic choice for pizza nights. Additionally, O%riginal harmonizes well with pasta dishes.

the Lancers wines

  • LANCERS SANGRIA NV

    JMF-SANGRIA - 8%

    Winemaking: Lancers Sangria, created by the José Maria da Fonseca winemaking team, is a vibrant addition to the company. This sangria offers a refreshing twist. Stored best at 12°C with 60% humidity, it is designed to be enjoyed young.

    Tasting Notes: Lancers Sangria presents a classic red sangria color, reminiscent of a homemade summer beverage. The nose is vibrant with aromas of lemon, orange, and strawberry, complemented by a hint of cinnamon spice. On the palate, it is fresh and smooth, with a crunchy texture and a cinnamon-infused finish.

    Food Pairings: Serve chilled with ice, lemon zest, and a slice of orange. Ideal for casual gatherings, it pairs well with light appetizers, tapas, or summer salads. Enjoy it while young for the best flavor experience.

The JMF REDS

  • JMF Red - 2020

    JMF1-R - Setúbal - Castelão 78%, Trincadeira 22% - 13%

    JMF is a reference to José Maria da Fonseca Manor House-Museum, built in the 18th century, the place where you’ll get to know the essence of a 7 Generation’s Wine Family. Produced from Castelão & Trincadeira varieties typically found in the region, showing a fruit-forward, easy-drinking wine, with the sunshine & Atlantic breezes from Setúbal Peninsula giving it a lightly toasted pinch of season.

    On the nose, a mix of red berries with black plum, raspberries & camellias on the nose make it a very inviting wine. On the palate, we find a mix of fresh juicy red berries & a touch of freshly ground pepper that brings it alive (almost like a bloody mary cocktail)! Medium tannins, easy drinking with a smooth character & medium length refreshing finish.

    Serving Suggestions: Drink while young, at around 12°C on its own or with sharing food as platters style mezzes. Or serve at 14°C with red meats, grilled meats & fish skewers & casseroles.

  • JMF Reserva - 2019

    JMF2-R - Setúbal - Castelão, Trincadeira & Touriga Nacional - 13%

    The JMF wine is an allusion to the José Maria da Fonseca House-Museum. The museum built in the 18th century, nowadays people can visit & know more about the family’s history & legacy. It's wines like this that make Marta Vine stand out with our careful research & tradition working together as one. A work of art made by this iconic winemaker, providing pure pleasure & indulgence in your palate yet friendly to your wallet!

    The trio of Castelão, Trincadeira & Touriga Nacional juicy grape varieties make a wine with vibrant fruity aromas, sweeter berries with the right ripeness & balanced by freshness. The 6 months of French & American oak ageing proves to give a round richness with ripe strawberries & light spice that is difficult to find in Portugal. With a fantastic structure, refined tannins. Bottled aged for 4 years before release.

    Serving Suggestions: Making it ideal to share with family & friends in joyful & relaxed moments at 14°C with nuts & crisps. And around 16°C with red meat & a selection of cheeses (soft paste ones). Game such as boar & veal also shows beautifully with it.