Quinta das Bágeiras Branco "Garrafeira" '20

One of Portugal’s most important quality producers, Quinta das Bágeiras is located in Bairrada, an Atlantic influenced region just 15 kilometers from the coast. While the family had long grown grapes here, it wasn’t until 1989 that Mário Sérgio Alves Nuno began bottling wines from vineyards inherited from his grandparents. Today he farms roughly 24 hectares and remains firmly committed to traditional Bairrada varieties and methods, producing wines that have become benchmarks for the region.

The “Garrafeira” Branco sits at the top of the estate’s white wine production and is made only in very small quantities. The 2020 is a blend of Bical and Maria Gomes from old vines more than 75 years of age, and average production is only around 3,000 bottles.

After pressing, the must is allowed to settle naturally for 24 to 36 hours before being transferred to old 2,500 liter wooden tonéis that have been used for hundreds of previous fermentations. Fermentation takes place in these old vessels, and the wine remains there for roughly a year before bottling without fining or filtration.

The 2020 has a remarkable combination of richness and freshness, with ripe citrus, orchard fruit, floral notes, subtle oxidative notes, and a distinctive saline quality. There is real breadth and texture here, but Bairrada’s natural acidity keeps the wine energetic and incredibly long. Try it with the regional dish of Bairrada, roasted suckling pig.