Bairrada

Barro refers to black clay, and not by chance of course. The region is known for a hard, very tannic red wine from the Baga grape.
Just like in Vinho Verde, each vintage is a story in itself and the quality therefore depends strongly on the year.
The good years are called Garaffeira or Reserva.

Where wine experts and wine journalists say that the red wine from Bairrada has a lot of potential, the white wines from grapes such as Maria Gomez and Bical produce very high-quality wines. In addition to white and red, there is also a considerable production of sparkling wines, often with a high natural alcohol content. The majority is Brut, but also some Seco (dry) and Meio-Seco (semi-dry).

Fun fact: “From Mateus deliver us Lord”, is a frequently heard prayer among lovers of Portuguese wines. Indeed, the Mateus Rosé comes from this region.

More info: Bairrada

The Bairrada wine region, located between the Atlantic coast and the Serra do Buçaco mountain range, is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with abundant rain and mild temperatures. This cool and humid climate produces grapes with high acidity and low alcohol content, ideal conditions for the production of sparkling wines. It was in this region that, in 1890, the first sparkling wine was made in Portugal. The “Bruto” variety in particular is perfect for drinking with “leitão assado” (grilled suckling pig), the regional specialty.

Bairrada also produces white wines with a lemon yellow color and a fruity aroma. The red wines have a ruby or garnet color that changes to reddish brown during maturation. “Aguardente bagaceira” (a type of brandy) is also produced in this region. You can learn more about the history of these divine beverages at the Museu do Vinho da Bairrada in Anadia or by visiting the wineries and cellars where the wines are made, both in traditional, artisanal settings and in contemporary spaces designed by renowned architects.

Typical white grapes are,

Arinto

Bical

Cercial

Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes)

Rabo de Ovelha

Typical red grapes,

Alfrocheiro

Baga

Jaen

Rufete

Touriga Nacional