Luis Pato "Baga/Touriga Nacional" Tinto, Barraida, Portugal 2022

FROM SKURNIK:

THE WINE: Produced from Baga (60%) and Touriga Nacional (40%) grape varieties, this wine is vinified to enhance the primary flavours and the chocolate character of Baga, subject to a first harvest in the end of August. Fermented during 3 days in stainless steel vats under temperature control. To be dished up with grilled dishes, meats and fishes. It will last, at least, 10 years.

THE PRODUCER: The Pato family has been producing wine at Quinta do Ribeirinho since, at least, the eighteen century. João Pato started to bottle the wine from his vineyards in 1970, becoming the first winegrower in Bairrada region after its demarcation. His son, Luis Pato, inherited this nonconformist and pioneer spirit. In 1980, Luis produced his first wine, a pure Baga, from an exceptional quality and absolute rareness that is sought by appreciators as a treasure. After experimenting with Baga over the years, Luis was even able to produce the first Vinhas Velhas wine from Portugal! However, in 1999, by personal choice, he left DOC denomination and now labels his wines as Regional Beiras. Pato’s 60 hectares of vineyards are planted with Baga and Touriga Nacional (red varieties), as well as Maria Gomes, Bical, Bairrada’s Cercial and Sercialinho (white varieties). The vineyards are distributed in two different types of soil: sandy and chalky-clay.