New Arrivals: Iconic Wines From legend Luis Pato

Who was it who said that January is a slow month??

We are thrilled to share with you the arrival of several rare and unique wines from Bairrada legend Luis Pato, as well as a couple of very special Piedmont reds and another couple of Val de Loire stunning whites. 

Bairrada has always been one of our favourite regions of Portugal. Strategically located between the Atlantic coast and the rugged Dão hills, Bairrada is a wine region that quietly commands respect among wine connoisseurs. With its cool, maritime-influenced climate and a patchwork of clay-limestone and sandy soils, Bairrada offers ideal conditions for cultivating distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The region is best known for its red wines crafted from the Baga grape—renowned for their bold tannins and exceptional aging potential—as well as elegant, méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines.

Affectionately referred to as the "King of Bairrada," Luis Pato has played a defining role in bringing this region to international prominence. Known for his bold vision and willingness to challenge convention, Pato is often described as one of Portugal's most innovative and influential winemakers. His estate spans an impressive 65 hectares, all meticulously cultivated to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Stay tuned for an "In Focus" deep dive soon. For now, let´s get to know the new gems, starting with two very rare wines. Exclusive doesn´t begin to describe them.

The Arabian Horses of Bairrada

"Youthful purple hue, highlighting its vibrancy and depth. On the nose, it offers an expressive bouquet of wild berries, cherries, and blueberries, accented by floral tones and a subtle vegetal touch. The palate reveals a firm structure with lively tannins, delivering a well-integrated profile of red and blue fruit flavors. Underpinned by a distinctive chalky, iodine-laced minerality, it showcases remarkable purity, finesse, and persistence, concluding with a fresh, precise finish." 

 Intense mineral profile on the nose, accompanied by notes of apple, greengage plum, aromatic herbs, and subtle hints of oatmeal and brioche, with smoky and balsamic undertones. On the palate, it reveals a delicate mousse, restrained pressure, and a rich, creamy body where the acidity extends the experience. This sparkling wine is distinct, marked by sweet fruit on the finish alongside earthy nuances. It exudes finesse, reflecting both the unique qualities of the Bical grape and the terroir.

A Tale of 3 Vineyards

Luis Pato’s vineyards and estates (Quintas in Portuguese), spread across several iconic sites in Bairrada, are integral to his ability to craft wines that capture the essence of Bairrada’s terroir. Each vineyard offers distinct conditions, grape varieties, and microclimates, resulting in wines with unique personalities. We have a feeling of accomplishment for finally having collected wines from each and every one of them. Adding to the red and sparkling wines from the Vinha Pan we already have in our stock, as well as to the white and red wines from the Quinta do Ribeirinho, and lest we forget, the two reds from the Quinta do Moínho, we can now offer you:

 Vinha Barrosa

One of Luis Pato’s most iconic vineyards, Vinha Barrosa is planted exclusively with Baga, a grape that thrives in Bairrada’s chalky clay soils. This vineyard, with its old vines, (more than 100yrs old), is surrounded by a pine forest with some eucalyptus, both adding extra levels of complexity to the wines that originate there. It produces red wines known for their power, structure, and ability to age gracefully. Wines from Vinha Barrosa often exhibit concentrated red fruit, earthy undertones, and a firm tannic backbone, making them ideal candidates for long-term cellaring. About the 2014 Vinha Barrosa:

"Great perfume and finesse. Intense and still elegant, scented, filled with red fruit but also has the complexity of the mintiness and the spice. Really intense and almost biting in its freshness. Round tannins... Notes of tobacco, wood, red fruit and a bit of mild vegetable... and has long end. Good structure. A Burgundian style wine with good acidity." (Jancis Robinson)

Vinha Barrio

Another vineyard dedicated to Baga, Vinha Barrio differs from Vinha Barrosa in soil composition and microclimate. The slightly sandier soils here result in wines with softer tannins and more immediate approachability, without sacrificing depth or complexity. These wines tend to have a more rounded texture, with notes of red berries, spice, and subtle floral hints. About the 2009 Vinha Barrio:

 "Silky, vibrant wine" (Robert Parker)

"...a flavor and texture you cannot find anywhere." (Wine & Spirits)

"...a stunning complexity of red and blue fruits supported by refined tannins." 

Vinha Formal

This vineyard is primarily dedicated to the Bical grape variety, producing elegant white and sparkling wines with remarkable aging potential. The cool climate and chalky clay soils contribute to wines with vibrant acidity and minerality. Vinha Formal is renowned for yielding wines that are both refined and expressive, often showcasing floral and citrus notes with a distinctive saline finish. About the 2002 Vinha Formal:

Yellow-gold color with aromas of toast, spice, and nuts, complemented by crystalline citrus and vibrant acidity. It offers a balanced weight, savory complexity, and a finish of toasted lemon peel.

A true Bairrada classic, this wine is well-structured and versatile...

 More Bubbles, Anyone?

 Our collection of Luis Pato sparkling wines has grown with three remarkable additions, each showcasing the artistry and precision of Pato’s winemaking.

• Luis Pato Espumante Blanc de Blancs Leveduras Indígenas NV: This sparkling wine is produced using only native yeasts, a method adopted in 2021 after years of relying on vineyard-derived yeasts for his white and red wines. Featuring primarily Maria Gomes grapes grown in sandy and clay-limestone soils, the wine is crafted using the “pé de cuba” process, in which a small batch of must is prepared in advance to encourage natural yeast multiplication. Yeasts native to the clay-limestone soil in the vineyard were used. The result is a sparkling wine with remarkable purity, expressing the true character of the vineyard. With its fine mousse, fresh acidity, and pronounced minerality, it reflects Pato’s philosophy of low-intervention winemaking.

• Luis Pato Quinta do Moínho 2012: This sparkling rosé wine is made exclusively from Baga grapes grown on the Quinta do Moínho vineyard’s chalky-clay soils. The grapes are hand-harvested early, in late August, to preserve their vibrant acidity. With its delicate salmon-pink hue, the wine offers aromas of white plum, violets, and a touch of smokiness. On the palate, it delivers exuberant flavors of raspberry, mulberry, and cherry, balanced by a lively, fresh character. Aged for 41 months in bottle, this 100% Baga sparkling wine is celebrated for its crisp acidity and versatility.  

“bright salmon pink, very fresh, tight, lots of fruit—citrus and apple with red-fruit flavors.” (Jancis Robinson)

• Luis Pato Espumante Júlia 2021: Created to celebrate the birth of Luis Pato’s granddaughter, this sparkling wine is made from the rare Sercialinho grape, nearly exclusive to the estate. It undergoes a single, spontaneous fermentation without the addition of dosage, resulting in a pure, unaltered expression of the grape. The wine showcases high acidity, excellent aging potential, and a vibrant profile with a balanced hint of residual sugar. Fresh and aromatic.

 The Baga / Nebbiolo Connection

In addition to our expanded Luis Pato collection, we are thrilled to introduce two outstanding new Piedmont wines from Demarie: Roero Riserva Valmaggiore 2019 and Barolo Riserva 2010. Both wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape, often likened to Bairrada’s Baga due to their shared characteristics—elevated acidity, firm tannins, and exceptional aging capacity. Like Baga, Nebbiolo is highly expressive of its terroir, producing wines that combine elegance with structure.

• Demarie Barolo Riserva 2010: Aged for 60 months before release—36 of which are spent in large oak barrels—this Barolo Riserva does plenty to reaffirm the Nebbiolo as a true contender for the title of most important variety in Italy. This. Is. A. Serious. Wine. The extended aging process results in a wine with deep complexity, offering layers of dried cherry, tar, leather, and forest floor. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with robust tannins and a long, persistent finish. Ideal for pairing with rich dishes such as truffle risotto, braised meats, and game, it also has excellent potential for further aging in the bottle.

• Demarie Roero Riserva Valmaggiore 2019: Sourced from the renowned Valmaggiore vineyard, this Roero Riserva is a fine example of Nebbiolo’s versatile yet complex profile. The wine undergoes a 10-day maceration and ferments at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, followed by 24 months of aging in large oak barrels. It reveals aromas of red cherries, rose petals, and subtle spice, with fine tannins and bright acidity on the palate. This wine pairs beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based dishes.

 And then there is the Muscadet...

We are also excited to announce the arrival of two amazing wines from Château de la Ragotière: Mouzillon-Tillières 2018 and Granite 2023, both exceptional expressions of Melon de Bourgogne, the grape variety behind the finest Muscadet wines. Château de la Ragotière, located in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, is known for its commitment to terroir-driven winemaking and low-intervention techniques.

• Mouzillon-Tillières 2018: This Cru Communal Muscadet is sourced from a vineyard planted on clay and schist soils, which impart great minerality and structure to the wine. After fermentation, the wine spends 36 months aging on its lees in underground vats, contributing to its texture and complexity. The result is a wine with intense aromas of citrus, white flowers, and a hint of salinity, with a long, elegant finish. Perfect for pairing with oysters, shellfish, and delicate fish dishes, this wine is an ideal choice for lovers of mineral-driven whites.

• Granite 2023: As the name suggests, this wine is sourced from vineyards planted on granite soils, which lend a vibrant freshness and tension to the wine. Fermented and aged on the lees for eight months, Granite 2023 is a crisp, youthful Muscadet with lively acidity and flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and wet stone. Its bright, clean profile makes it a versatile companion for seafood, especially grilled fish and sushi, or simply as a refreshing aperitif.

These two additions from Château de la Ragotière highlight the diversity and precision of Muscadet wines, offering both a mature, complex option with Mouzillon-Tillières 2018 and a fresh, zesty profile in Granite 2023, perfect for any occasion.

It Doesn´t End Here

This is a lovely batch of new wines to delve into, but rest assured, we have more exciting new wines coming up soon, wines guaranteed to blow your mind further. In the meantime, take the opportunity to try some of these wines, many of them have a very small availability. 

Saúde!