Vinha Barrosa 2015 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Barrosa 2015

Overview

The Vinha Barrosa 2015 is a deeply expressive red wine, produced from Baga grapes grown in an historic vineyard over 80 years old, located in Aguim, surrounded by a pine forest and scattered eucalyptus trees. These conditions contribute additional complexity, complementing the natural concentration that comes with vine age. The 2015 vintage resulted in a structured, elegant wine with remarkable aging potential. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

Vinha Barrosa was conceived by Luis Pato to highlight centennial vineyards of Bairrada. The 2015 harvest involved careful manual selection of perfectly ripe grapes. The surrounding vegetation, including pines and eucalyptus, adds unique aromatic layers, making this wine highly sought after by enthusiasts and suitable for long-term cellaring. It embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Aguim vineyard, over 80 years old, is managed with sustainable viticulture practices and low yields to enhance grape quality and terroir expression. The south-facing slopes, combined with the natural biodiversity, ensure slow and even ripening, preserving acidity, structure, and aromatic complexity. Every vineyard decision seeks to maximize the expression of the unique terroir.

Winemaking Approach

Grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats for 2 weeks under temperature control, maintaining freshness and varietal character. The wine is then aged for 12 months in new and used Allier French oak barrels, which add structure, elegance, and subtle spice without overpowering the Baga profile. Minimal intervention bottling ensures full vineyard expression and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Color: Intense ruby red with garnet highlights.
Nose: Complex aromas of ripe red fruits, delicate spices, balsamic hints, and subtle vegetal notes from the surrounding forest.
Palate: Structured and elegant, with silky tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, sapid finish that reflects the personality of these centennial vines.

Food Pairing

Perfect with roasted red meats, game, and duck dishes, as well as rich roasts and stews. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it can age for 15–20 years, gradually developing refined tertiary aromas and depth.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vineyard: Aguim, over 80 years old

• Fermentation: 2 weeks in stainless steel under temperature control

• Aging: 12 months in new and used Allier French oak barrels

• Alcohol: 13% vol.

• Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C

• 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.