Luis Pato ' Baga Touriga Nacional 2024 '

The Pato family has been making wine in Bairrada for over a century from Quinta do Ribeirinho. Luís Pato took over the domain from his father João in 1980 — who in 1970 was the first producer in the region to bottle wine — and has since been the great champion of the Baga grape. This wine combines 60% Baga, the queen of Bairrada, with 40% Touriga Nacional: the former brings firm acidity and vibrant structure, the latter adds elegance and floral complexity. Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature, without wood aging, to preserve the fresh primary fruit.

Description: Vibrant red with aromas of black cherry, blackberries, violets and a hint of smoked wood and bitter chocolate. Fresh and spicy on the palate, with lively acidity, fine tannins and a juicy, lingering finish.

Pairs well with: Grilled meat, braised lamb shank, Portuguese sausage (alheira), or a rich meat pasta.

Fun fact: In 1999, Luís Pato deliberately left the DOC Bairrada classification and has since labeled his wines as 'Regional Beiras' — an act of protest against the overly restrictive rules that hampered grape blends with indigenous varieties.