Vinhas Velhas Tinto 2021 Luis Pato

Luis Pato – Vinha Velhas Tinto 2021

Overview

The Vinha Velhas Tinto 2021 is a premium red wine made exclusively from the native Baga grape, grown in vines averaging 40 years old on chalky-clay soils. Grapes are carefully selected to preserve varietal freshness and typicity. This wine contains sulphites and is designed to develop complexity and structure over time, with ageing potential exceeding 15 years.

History of the Wine

The Vinha Velhas range was created to preserve old Baga vineyards, a unique heritage of Bairrada. The 2021 vintage is characterized by a perfect balance between acidity, aromatic concentration, and fruit maturity. Careful vineyard management and controlled winemaking ensure an elegant wine, faithful to the terroir and the tradition of the old vines.

Philosophy in the Vineyard

Luis Pato practices sustainable viticulture, focusing on the quality of old vines. The age of the vines contributes to complexity, depth, and the wine’s capacity to evolve over time. Careful grape maturation and manual harvesting ensure a balanced, concentrated product that fully expresses the chalky-clay soils.

Winemaking Approach

Grapes ferment for 10 days in stainless steel vats under controlled temperature, preserving freshness and varietal aromas. The wine then matures for 12 months in 650-liter used barrels, developing structure, softness, and complexity without overpowering the fruit. Each bottle represents a balance between modern technique and tradition, guaranteeing longevity and aromatic depth.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Aroma: Ripe red fruits, light sweet spices, and mineral hints.
Palate: Smooth and harmonious, with well-balanced tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent finish reflecting the complexity of the old Baga vines.

Food Pairing

Ideal with game, roasts, and structured red meat dishes. With ageing, it pairs beautifully with mature cheeses or rich, flavorful dishes, highlighting the wine’s aromatic depth and complexity.

Technical Sheet

• Designation: Beiras Regional

• Grape Variety: 100% Baga

• Harvest: Hand selection of grapes in late September

• Fermentation: 10 days in stainless steel vats under temperature control

• Ageing: 12 months in 650-liter used barrels

• 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.