Bairrada Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the general Bairrada climate & growing environment
A
- West of the Dao
- Maritime climate due to proximity to Atlantic ocean
- 800-1200mm rainfall annually (some areas up to 1600mm)
- Rain falls in spring and autumn; problematic for late ripening Baga
- Large DOC boundaries but only 10,000ha undervine
2
Q
What are the soils in Bairrada
A
- Fertile Alluvial soils to the west
- Limestone clay soils
- Cantanhede to the south have limestone clay soils, well suited to Baga
3
Q
What are the grape varieties grown in Bairrada
A
- Baga
- Some Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen & Camarate
- Some international Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
- Maria Gomes (Fernao Pires)
- Bical
- Arinto
- Cercial
- Some Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay
4
Q
Describe the Baga grape varieties structural components
A
- Black Grape
- High Acid & Tannin
- Medium Body
- Cranberry & Cherry
- Astringent when young, but softens with bottle age
5
Q
Describe Baga in the vineyard
A
- late ripening; side selection important
- Productive; limiting yeild important
- Warmest sites are south facing and protected by eucalyptus & pine forest
- Ripens best on limestone-clay soils; retains water to continue photosynthesis and controls vigour enough
- Cantanhede soils also reflect light back onto the vine, aiding ripening
- Sandy soils too dry, better for other Bairrada varieties.
6
Q
Describe the winemaking of the Baga variety in Bairrada
A
- Fermented on stems traditionally for long bottle age
- Modern producers de-stem fruit, but some now use a portion of whole bunch for freshness.
- Fermentation in stainless steel, concrete or traditional lagares.
- Maturation commonly carried out in large barrels (500-650L), some toneis made from Portuguese Oak or Brazilian hardwood, some French or Austrian foudre.
7
Q
Describe the history of Baga in Bairrada
A
- Often grown at high yields; originally largely used for Mateus Rosé
- Private companies now focussing on the varieties quality, leading to very good and outstanding wines
8
Q
Describe Bairrada Classico
A
- 50% Baga
- Minimum 85% blend of any Baga, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Camarate.
9
Q
Describe Maria Gomes in Bairrada
A
- AKA Fernao Pires
- Early ripening; well suited to Bairrada’s damp climate
- High Yeilding
- Citrus, floral
- Medium plus acid, but drops acid rapidly if left on vine too long
10
Q
Describe Bical in Bairrada
A
- Early ripening
- Peach, tropical fruit
- Medium plus acid, but drops acid rapidly if left on vine too long
11
Q
Describe inexpensive white wines of Bairrada
A
- fruit sourced from sandy soils
- Fermented in stainless steel, protectively
- Bottled early and sold quickly
12
Q
Describe quality focussed white wines of Bairrada
A
- fruit sourced from clay-limestone soils
- Fermented or matured for a short time in oak
- Generally good to very good.
13
Q
Describe Sparkling wines of Bairrada
A
- leading producer of Portuguese traditional method sparkling
- 10% of Bairrada’s production
- Local grapes, pinot noir & sparkling are used.
14
Q
Describe the wine business of Bairrada
A
- 2000 growers, co-ops, merchants
- Marked vintage variation; between 92,000hl and 50,000hL produced annually
- Baga Friends; a group of producers focussed on high-quality Baga.
