Another wonderful blind tasting. I still remember traditional bacony-leathery-horsey style of more than half of reds (even some still and sparkling whites) assessed 10 years ago. Nowadays the refusal rate is under 20% and some reds were absolutely stunning. Hail to the new board of CVR Bairrada and, most of all, to the producers & winemakers. But this upgrade has nothing to do with varieties, as some Pinot worshipers might wave. I love old vines from Baga and Bical. In fact the majority of the most rated wines in the People´s Wine Guide 2014 are terroir based.
What do u need to know: 7000 ha of vines, 50 producers, 10 million litres of certified IG Beira Atlântico & DO Bairrada wines. Main White Varieties: Fernão Pires (Maria Gomes), Bical, Arinto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Cercial. Main Red Varieties: Baga (50%), Touriga Nacional, Merlot, Syrah e Aragonez (Tinta Roriz).
Visited & most knowledgeable wine restaurant: Rei dos Leitões (Suckling Pig´s King), Mealhada.
