The wines with a registered designation of origin from Bairrada are one of the best and unknown wines that Portugal has to offer. Located in the littoral centre-north of Portugal Bairrad is well known for the Leitão (a famous dish) and its sparkling wine.
Once you visit Bairrada you rapidly understand that the region has much more to offer then just sparkling wine. The most notorious wine house that everyone should visit is Caves São João. Caves São João is a family-owned and independent company. Founded in 1920, they prepare to celebrate the centenary. Always reconciling vanguardism and tradition. In 1930 began the commercialization of sparkling wines and in 1959 the national and international commercialization of quality bottled wines. The harvests of 1963, 1966, and 1980 are indelible landmarks for any oenophile.
At Caves São João they produce their sparkling wine using the traditional Méthode Champenoise. The method has 5 distinct steps that are explained in the following diagram taken from winefolly:
Personally I have tried the following wines from Caves São João:
1980 Caves São João Reserva Particular tinto: Lots of depth of colour – quite opaque with aniseed lift to the nose which follows through on a coltsfoot-inflected palate with darker chocolate notes. One of the best old wines I have tried so far!
2014 Espumante Quinta Poço do Lobo Arinto & Chardonnay: Of fine and persistent bubble, it has a discreet aroma, with soft toasted notes on a lemonade background. In the mouth the Chardonnay is predominant, in good buttery nuances, accompanied by citrus notes. It has a full-bodied, smooth and creamy attack and a beautiful acidity that gives it persistence and freshness. With moderate acidity, it is a very nice sparkling as an aperitif.
2014 Caves São João Baga + Touriga Nacional tinto: Notes of red fruit, spices, the firm tannins and the acidity of the Baga grape connect well with the more floral notes and the soft elegance of the Touriga grape, resulting in a very balanced wine, young and refreshing.
2012 Porta dos Cavaleiros Reserva Tinto: Has a wonderful delicacy and spice, freshness and lift to its well defined sour black cherry (nice bite). An undertow of mineral acidity and a charge of fine tannins carry a long, very persistent finish edged with dark chocolate – together with its violet-laced perfume, a classic signature note of Touriga Nacional. An excellent expression of the Dão and the grape.
I am thrilled to try other wines from Caves São João. If you do have the chance, I do recommend you go and visit the wine house. They organize wine tasting events where you can try out one of the most interesting wine made in Portugal.
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