Vinha Barrio 2009 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Barrio 2009

Overview

The Vinha Barrio 2009 represents the rebirth of a historic vineyard in Bairrada, entirely planted with Baga, the iconic grape of the region. This wine was born from the replanting of the old “Barrio” vineyard, which was grubbed up in 2004 after more than 80 years of life, then realigned to ensure precision and quality. The 2009 vintage delivers a pure, mature expression of Baga, combining power and finesse, with remarkable aging potential. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

The original Vinha Barrio vineyard produced its last harvest in 2001 before being completely renewed. In 2008, Luis Pato decided to revive it, keeping his commitment to the Baga grape as a symbol of both his personal philosophy and the tradition of Bairrada. The 2009 vintage marks a new era of precision and revival, preserving the soul of the past while showcasing the structure and aromatic purity of modern winemaking.

Vineyard Philosophy

The renewed Vinha Barrio is planted with Baga on chalky-clay soils, in a hilly area with ideal exposure and a mild climate. Luis Pato continues his philosophy of sustainable viticulture and low yields, enhancing natural concentration and terroir authenticity. Harvesting is manual, and grape selection is meticulous, ensuring purity, balance, and depth in every vintage.

Winemaking Approach

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats under temperature control to preserve freshness and varietal character. The wine is then aged in new and used Allier French oak barrels for about one year, acquiring subtle spice and roundness without losing Baga’s signature minerality. The result is a precise, structured, and long-lasting red, capable of aging gracefully for 15 to 20 years.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Nose: Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by notes of black pepper, sweet tobacco, and a delicate balsamic hint.
Palate: Full-bodied and refined, with elegant tannins and vibrant freshness; long, mineral, and complex finish that promises great longevity.

Food Pairing

Perfect with game meats, fried rabbit, roasts, and rustic Portuguese dishes. With age, it develops refined tertiary notes of leather, earth, and spices, deepening its complexity and elegance.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vineyard: Vinha Barrio, replanted in 2004

• Fermentation: Stainless steel under temperature control

• Aging: New and used Allier French oak barrels

• Alcohol: 13.4% vol.

• Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L

• Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C

• Aging Potential: 15–20 years

• Contains sulfites

Luis Pato Winery: Innovation and Legacy in the Heart of Bairrada

History of the Winery

The Pato family has been producing wine at Quinta do Ribeirinho since the 18th century, nurturing a deep connection with the land of Bairrada. In 1970, João Pato began bottling wines from his own vineyards, becoming the first winemaker to do so after the region’s demarcation. His son, Luis Pato, inherited this pioneering spirit and in 1980 created his first pure Baga wine, a masterpiece of rare quality, sought after by collectors around the world. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he led a quiet revolution in Portuguese winemaking, introducing innovations such as destemming Baga grapes and aging them in new French oak barrels, while preserving the authenticity of native varieties.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

Luis Pato’s philosophy in the vineyard is built on respect for the soil, climate, and indigenous grapes. His approach combines deep knowledge of the Baga variety with sustainable practices that enhance biodiversity and grape quality. He planted ungrafted Baga vines to rediscover pre-phylloxera wines, and carefully selects single vineyards to express the nuances of each terroir. Precision harvesting allows him to create both sparkling wines from early-picked grapes and rich, concentrated reds from later harvests. Every decision in the vineyard is guided by observation, intuition, and a desire for excellence.

Approach in the Cellar

Inside the cellar, tradition meets innovation. Luis Pato was among the first in Bairrada to use French oak barriques and to destem Baga grapes, producing more refined and elegant wines. His constant experimentation led to creations such as Abafado Molecular sweet wines, the cryo-extraction technique developed with his daughter Filipa, and the production of white sparkling wines from Baga grapes. Each wine reflects a balance between structure and freshness, showing the expressive potential of the region when guided by curiosity and craftsmanship.

Values and Vision

Luis Pato represents the spirit of independence and creativity in Portuguese winemaking. By stepping away from the DOC denomination in 1999, he reaffirmed his commitment to freedom and authenticity, labeling his wines as Regional Beiras. Every bottle tells the story of a family that transformed tradition into modern art, combining precision, courage, and innovation. All wines contain sulfites and express the unique identity of Bairrada through the eyes of one of its most visionary producers.