Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas tinto 2023

Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas Tinto is a barrel aged red from the native Baga grape, made by Luis Pato in the DOC Bairrada within Portugal's Beiras region. Pato is the great champion of Baga and was the first in Bairrada to use destemming and ageing in new French oak, working to show the grape at its best. The wine comes from a careful selection of old vines over forty years old planted on different soil types, with Bairrada's heavier clay limestone giving the variety its structure and grip. The region sits close to the Atlantic, and the cool, damp maritime climate gives a long, slow ripening season that holds high acidity and keeps the wine fresh and savoury. Baga is naturally tannic and tightly wound, so the old vine fruit and the time in French oak are important, with slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softening the tannins and adding spice while the wine keeps its firm backbone. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows tart red berries, cherry, earth and a touch of pepper and leather. The palate is structured and savoury, with bright acidity, firm tannins and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits roast game, beef and pork.