Baga is an interesting Portuguese variety capable are producing excellent wines. It is predominantly found in the region of Bairrada where it can often be found at inexpensive prices.
Baga is known for its small berries and thick skins. As such, it is capable of giving wines with plenty of tannin and astringency. Each year harvest brings a conundrum: pick early and risk underripe, bitter fruit, or leave Baga on the wine and hope the conditions for rot, which it is susceptible to, do not materialise.
Baga is slowly growing in popularity. Followers of Portuguese wines are likely familiar with it already. Internationally, much of the credit for its success and visibility is down to Luis Pato, who has invested over 40 years in cultivating it.
Given that Luis Pato has done so much for this variety, this estate is a crucial reference. There are a number of excellent wines produced from very old vines, such as Niepoort's ‘Poeirinho’.
