Vinha Pan 2015 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Pan 2015

Overview

The Vinha Pan 2015 is a striking expression of the Baga grape, grown on the south-facing slopes of Panasqueira in the Bairrada region. Characterized by chalky-clay soils and a warm, balanced vintage, this wine combines depth, freshness, and precision. The 2015 harvest yielded perfectly ripe grapes, resulting in a wine that reflects Luis Pato’s mastery in expressing the authentic soul of Baga. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

Vinha Pan is one of the most iconic single-vineyard wines of Luis Pato, known for redefining Bairrada’s identity. The 2015 vintage was marked by two harvests: a first selection at the end of August for Sparkling Baga, and a second at the end of September for this wine, achieving greater concentration and balance. The result is a structured yet elegant red wine that perfectly captures tradition with a modern spirit.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Panasqueira vineyard, with over 40-year-old vines, is managed through sustainable viticulture. Low yields and manual care ensure a balance between intensity and finesse. The limestone-rich soils and southern exposure provide ideal ripening conditions, producing grapes of remarkable aromatic complexity, vibrant acidity, and fine tannins — a true reflection of the Bairrada terroir.

Winemaking Approach

After careful hand-picking, the grapes ferment for around 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, gaining elegance, structure, and aromatic depth. Bottled with minimal intervention, it maintains its natural purity and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
Nose: Ripe cherry, plum, tobacco, and subtle toasted notes.
Palate: Full-bodied, refined, and balanced, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity, and a long mineral-spicy finish.

Food Pairing

Perfect with duck, game, and grilled or braised red meats. Also excellent with aged cheeses or rustic dishes with rich flavors. With age, it develops complex tertiary aromas of leather and spice.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vineyard: Panasqueira (south-facing slope)

• Harvest: Two-stage harvest — August (sparkling), September (still wine)

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

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

• Alcohol: 13.5% 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.