As a big Bairrada fan, and especially someone who is quite passionate about Baga (my favourite Portuguese red grape variety), I was curious to try this wine made from a blend of Baga and Touriga Nacional.
I tend to like my Baga unadulterated, either by other grapes or by too much oak, appreciating the elegant medium-bodied structure of the better quality varietals on the market. But this wine impressed me, representing very good value for money at €7.99 in Apolónia.
The wine is a 50/50 blend of the two varieties, ageing for nine months in French oak, and presents great freshness on the nose, the Touriga overpowering the Baga with jammy red fruit notes; but in the mouth the lighter structure and acidity of the Baga results in an elegant and rich medium to full bodied wine with well rounded tannins and silky smooth finish.
By PATRICK STUART [email protected]
