Vinha Pan 2020 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Pan 2020

Overview

The Vinha Pan 2020 is a red wine of remarkable depth and precision, crafted from 100% Baga grapes grown in the chalky-clay soils of Panasqueira, a south-facing hillside in Bairrada. A first precision harvest (50%) takes place at the end of August for the Sparkling Baga, while the second harvest in late September produces this wine, renowned for its unusual concentration and balance. This wine contains sulfites.

Wine History

The Vinha Pan is one of Luis Pato’s most iconic single-vineyard wines, reflecting his mastery of the Baga grape. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced climate, resulting in perfectly ripe fruit and a structured yet refined style. With its sun-drenched exposure and calcareous soils, the Panasqueira vineyard yields grapes of great aromatic complexity and longevity, epitomizing Pato’s philosophy of innovation rooted in tradition.

Vineyard Philosophy

Cultivated under sustainable viticulture, the old Baga vines receive meticulous care to preserve the natural balance of the vineyard. The double harvest technique ensures only the most concentrated grapes are used for this wine, enhancing its tannic finesse, freshness, and depth. Each decision in the vineyard aims to convey the unique terroir of Panasqueira with authenticity.

Winemaking Approach

Hand-harvested grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to retain purity and aromatic precision. The wine then matures for 12 months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, developing elegance, texture, and complexity. The result is a refined and age-worthy red capable of evolving gracefully for over 15 years.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
Nose: Aromas of ripe red fruits, sweet spices, and subtle balsamic notes.
Palate: Structured yet silky, with balanced acidity, fine tannins, and a long mineral finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with duck, game, and red meat dishes, as well as aged cheeses. Ideal for hearty meals and contemplative tastings, especially after several years of cellaring.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vineyard: Panasqueira (south-facing hillside)

• Harvest: Two-stage harvest — August for Sparkling Baga, September for this wine

• Fermentation: 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.