Quinta das Bageiras Tinto Bairrada Reserva 2019

Bairrada, Portugal

Quinta das Bageiras Tinto Bairrada Reserva is a beautiful red blend from the Bairrada region of Portugal. Located in north-central Portugal, between the mountainous Dão and a mere 30km from the Atlantic coast, Bairrada enjoys a maritime climate, with sufficient rain and cool temperatures that bring bright acidity to its native grapes. Known for sparkling wines and deep colored, structured reds, the region was first recognized as a DOC in 1980, but vineyards have been planted in the area since at least the 10th century. Native variety Baga shines here, delivering rich, elegant, complex reds.

Quinta das Bágeiras is a family estate that spans four generations. Mario Sergio Alves Nuno works alongside his son Frederico making classic wines that use traditional winery practices. The red wines are made almost exclusively with the Baga grape variety and continue to be produced in open fermentation tanks (lagares) and aged in wooden barrels steeped in wine, rather than the more modern styles of using stainless steel. Wines from Quinta das Bágeiras are known to be amongst the best in Bairrada and Portugal – terroir wines that are full of character with a unique identity and great aging potential.

Quinta das Bageiras Tinto Bairrada Reserva is 60% Baga and 40% Touriga Nacional planted to clay/limestone soils. Some of the Baga grapes come from old vines, but in years when there is no Garrafeira red, all the grapes from the old vines are destined for this wine. The Reserva Tinto was fermented, with no de-stemming, in small open top lagares for 5-8 days before finishing fermentation in old wooden barrels. The wine is then racked and put back into old barrels where it ages for 18 months before being bottled without filtration.

Beautiful, purple/blue color. Lovely, spicy and dark fruited aroma. Very compelling, intriguing, and complex nose. The palate is medium bodied with medium intensity. Spicy and dark fruited with excellent structure and a dry finish. 13% Alc. Only 1342 cases made.

Enjoy Quinta das Bageiras Tinto Bairrada Reserva with traditional Portuguese cuisine, venison and “arroz de pato” duck rice.