Filipa Pato & William Wouters Nossa Calcário Tinto 2023

Filipa Pato and her husband, the Belgian sommelier William Wouters, make this Bairrada red from Baga, the tannic, high acid native grape of the region. Nossa Calcario takes its name from the limestone, calcario in Portuguese, that defines the vineyards, and limestone soils lend Baga its firm structure, bright acidity and saline mineral length. Filipa Pato works to a low intervention philosophy she describes as authentic wines without make up, farming with respect for the land. Baga is a late ripening variety that keeps high natural acidity, so Bairrada's Atlantic climate and cool nights suit it, holding freshness through a long growing season. The wine is barrel aged, a maturation that softens Baga's naturally grippy tannin through slow oxygen exchange while adding a light savoury spice. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows red cherry and plum over dried herbs, earth and a peppery edge, and the palate is medium to full bodied with firm, fine tannin, vivid acidity and a long savoury finish that recalls Nebbiolo in its cut. Decant and serve at 16 degrees with roast and grilled meats.