Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2014 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Velhas Tinto 2014

Overview

The Vinha Velhas Tinto 2014 is a red wine of great character, produced exclusively from 100% Baga grapes grown in 40-year-old vineyards rooted in the chalky-clay soils of Bairrada. The 2014 vintage, marked by a cool and balanced climate, delivers a wine of elegance, freshness, and aromatic precision. This wine contains sulphites and shows remarkable ageing potential.

History of the Wine

The Vinha Velhas range is one of Luis Pato’s most emblematic creations. A pioneer of the Baga variety and a leading figure in modern Portuguese winemaking, Pato crafted the 2014 vintage as a perfect reflection of balance and terroir. After an initial early harvest for sparkling wine, the main harvest took place at the end of September, producing concentrated and mature grapes ideal for this classic expression of Bairrada.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

The 40-year-old Baga vines are cultivated through sustainable viticulture, with low yields and careful pruning. The chalky-clay soils of Anadia provide the grapes with the ideal balance between freshness, minerality, and concentration. Each vine is treated as part of a living heritage, expressing authenticity, typicity, and depth of character.

Winemaking Approach

The hand-picked grapes are destemmed and fermented for about 10 days in stainless steel vats under temperature control, ensuring aromatic purity. The wine matures for 12 months in 650-liter used French oak barrels, adding texture and depth while preserving fruit integrity. The result is a harmonious and elegant red, combining Bairrada’s tradition with modern precision.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright ruby red with garnet reflections.
Aroma: Cherry, blackberry, spice, and hints of tobacco and forest floor.
Palate: Fresh and balanced with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing

Perfect with game dishes, braised meats, and roasted red meats. Also excellent with aged cheeses or Mediterranean cuisine. Elegant and structured, it’s ideal for drinking now or after a few years of cellar ageing.

Technical Sheet

• Designation: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Vine Age: 40 years

• Fermentation: 10 days in stainless steel under temperature control

• Ageing: 12 months in used French oak barrels (650 L)

• Alcohol: 13% vol.

• Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C

• Contains sulphites

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.