Luis Pato is perhaps the most famous face in Bairrada, even though he’s had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the regional authorities, that led him for a time…
The wines of Quinta das Bágeiras, Bairrada
Mário Sérgio’s Quinta das Bágeiras is one of the leading wineries in Bairrada. He created the domaine in 1989 from 12 hectares of vines he got from his grandfather, and…
Quinta de Baixo, Bairrada, with Dirk Niepoort
Dirk Niepoort has long been interested in the terroirs of Bairrada. He thinks that the combination of the chalky clay soils and the Baga grape variety makes this potentially the…
Lunch at Rochelle Canteen with a rare, brilliant Baga from Luis Pato
So, today. Lunch at Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch. My first time. This is a remarkable restaurant housed in an old bike shed, and it’s only open weekday breakfast and lunchtimes….
Two from Niepoort: Bairrada and Dão
Douro star Dirk Niepoort has branched out in recent years, acquiring vineyards in Dão (Quinta da Lomba, an old vineyard purchased in 2013) and Bairrada (Quinta de Baixo, purchased in…
In Lisbon with the young winemakers of Portugal
So I was in Lisbon. For one night only. The occasion? The ‘Young Winemakers’ tasting. Vadio, Conceito, Hobby, Clip and Carmelao are five young-ish Portuguese producers (with six winemakers in…
A few nice Portuguese bottles from The Wine Society
Ah, Portugal. One of my favourite wine countries. Here are three good bottles from The Wine Society that are affordable and tasty. Campolargo Alvarelhão 2011 Bairrada, Portugal This is brilliant. It’s…
A brilliant Bairrada from Filipa Pato
As most of you know, Portugal is one of my favourite wine countries. There’s lots happening here, with new great wines emerging all the time. This is a brilliant new…
Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas, a lovely Portuguese red
I’m a big fan of Baga, a Portuguese red grape variety. It’s the traditional grape of the Bairrada region, and to me it’s reminiscent of Nebbiolo: quite tannic and difficult,…