Vinha Pan 1999 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Pan 1999

Overview

The Vinha Pan 1999 is a milestone in Luis Pato’s wine history, crafted from 100% Baga grapes from the south-facing Panasqueira vineyard on chalky-clay soils. The balanced 1999 vintage produced a wine with aromatic depth, fine tannins, and lively acidity, highlighting the classic expression of Baga. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

This vintage emerged during a period of innovation for Luis Pato, shortly after leaving the DOC designation to label wines as Regional Beiras. The harvest was split into two stages: late August for Sparkling Baga, and late September for this still wine, achieving highly concentrated grapes. The 1999 Vinha Pan is celebrated for its harmony, structure, and long aging potential, embodying the historical essence of Baga.

Vineyard Philosophy

The 40+ year-old vines are managed with sustainable viticulture, ensuring low yields and optimal grape quality. The limestone-clay soils and southern exposure promote slow, even ripening, preserving natural acidity and minerality. Every vineyard decision aims to highlight the unique terroir and character of Baga.

Winemaking Approach

Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented for about 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with gentle extraction to retain freshness and purity. The wine is then aged for 12 months in new and used French oak barrels, adding structure and complexity while respecting the varietal profile. Bottled with minimal intervention, it is a wine designed to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.
Nose: Complex aromas of ripe red fruits, plum, sweet spices, and delicate balsamic notes.
Palate: Elegant and harmonious, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral finish, true to historic Panasqueira Baga.

Food Pairing

Pairs perfectly with duck, game, braised meats, and hearty red meat dishes, as well as aged cheeses. With time, it develops tertiary aromas of exceptional elegance, revealing new layers with each tasting.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vineyard: Panasqueira (south-facing slope)

• Harvest: Two-stage — August for sparkling wine, September for still wine

• Fermentation: 10 days in stainless steel, temperature-controlled

• Aging: 12 months in new and used 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.