Vinha Pan 2008 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Pan 2008

Overview

The Vinha Pan 2008 is a refined and elegant red wine crafted from 100% Baga grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of Panasqueira in Bairrada. The chalky-clay soils and cooler, balanced vintage of 2008 produced a wine with vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and exceptional longevity. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

The 2008 vintage required careful vineyard management due to its cooler conditions, resulting in perfectly balanced grapes. Following Luis Pato’s tradition, a precision harvest was carried out in late August for Sparkling Baga, and a second harvest at the end of September produced this wine. The outcome is a red wine of great purity, reflecting both the terroir of Panasqueira and the authentic character of Bairrada.

Vineyard Philosophy

The 40-year-old Baga vines are cultivated with sustainable viticulture methods, emphasizing low yields and healthy fruit. The southern exposure and limestone-rich soils provide ideal conditions for slow, even ripening, preserving natural acidity and promoting fine structure. Each vineyard intervention respects the terroir and the varietal character of Baga.

Winemaking Approach

Hand-harvested grapes ferment for approximately 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with gentle extraction to preserve aromatic freshness. The wine is then aged for 12 months in new and used French oak barrels, adding structure and complexity without overshadowing the Baga character. Bottled with minimal intervention, it matures gracefully over time.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
Nose: Elegant aromas of ripe cherry, red fruits, sweet spices, subtle undergrowth, and tobacco.
Palate: Refined and complex, with integrated tannins, lively acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing

Ideal with duck, game, braised meats, and aged cheeses. Pairs well with traditional Portuguese dishes or slow-cooked red meats. With age, it develops layers of elegance and complexity, revealing new nuances over time.

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.