Bairrada

This is a very important area for sparkling wines. Base wines for sparkling wines need the kind of high acidity that the cool Bairrada climate delivers.

Baga is the traditional local red grape. It makes tannic wines that can have high acidity if under-ripe, but if ripened and handled well the Baga can give rich, dense fruity reds that age into elegant wines of great complexity. Since 2003, a multiplicity of other grapes has been permitted in DOC Bairrada wines – national grapes such as Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro as well as the international likes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.
Red Bairrada these days comes in a bewildering array of styles.

Whites are delicate and aromatic. Citrus in color, fruity, fresh and persistent flavor, good alcohol content, high acidity, with good ageing potential.
The reds have fruity aromas when new, evolving with age to more complex aromas, of harmonious flavor where its solid structure stands out. Dark ruby ​​in color, concentrated in tannins, very acid, rich and complex aromas have good ageing potential.

Climate: Typically Atlantic: mild and rainy winters, and summers softened by the effects of the Atlantic winds.

Soil: Mainly limestone-clay or sandy soils

Main grapes varieties