Sao Lourenco Bairrada (2019)

B A I R R A D A , PORTUGAL

Reputed for more than a century for its sparkling wine heritage, Bairrada more recently has been acknowledged for the quality of its red and white still wines. Classical styles, using Portuguese varieties, intertwined with international styles, where French grape varieties are used stand alone or combined with indigenous varieties. Bairrada is a coastal region with a moderate Atlantic climate, that develops into gentle hills of limestone/clay soils. Due to its climate/soil similitude, it is often compared with the world-famous region of Bordeaux. Bairrada gets from 31 to 47 inches of rainfall per year, with more rain, sometimes as much as 62 inches falling, in the eastern part of the region. Temperatures are moderate, thanks to the influence of the ocean. Summers are warm, with plenty of sunshine and winters are mild. Most of Bairrada’s rain falls in the winter and spring.

Quinta Colinas de São Lourenço

In a nutshell: Colinas de São Lourenço is Fladgate’s flagship property in this region, located in the small village of São Lourenço do Bairro.

The terroir: Located in the heart of Bairrada’s limestone fault line. This is the perfect, dream terroir for vines. The property has 61 hectares of vineyards planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Arinto and Sauvignon Blanc. The entire vineyard is dry farmed and vines are planted at high density. The main focus is to produce the best possible grapes for their iconic wine: Principal Grande Reserve Red. Made from Touriga Nacional and Bordeaux varieties, the wine is vinified using gravity flow winemaking to produce a wine that will stand shoulder to shoulder with the fine red wines in the world. It is released with extended ageing. Exploiting the fabulous limestone soil and using the traditional Champagne method, as well as using the same mix of grape varieties, the estate produces some of Portugal’s best sparkling wines. These sparkling wines are branded as Colinas.

The Bairrada ‘personality’: Native and international grape varieties combine to produce standout still and sparkling wines coming from terroirs that are among the best in Portugal.