Vadio Tinto

One of Portugal’s most exciting all new wineries, Vadio is located in the Poutena village in the region of Bairrada. It is a small family project founded in 2005 by the winemaker Luís Patrão and his father that focuses on traditional local grapes such as Baga, Vercila and Bical from three small and very distinct vineyards. Luis was winemaker at one of the largest wineries in Portugal, but this is his labour of love, which he now manages with his wife Eduarda. The winery itself is a converted warehouse, which belonged to his father. The tiny vineyard area is being added to bit-by-bit with the vines are now worked organically, and certification on the way. The aim is to produce wines that maintain a link with the past, but expressed in a really attractive, drinkable style.

The Bairrada region lies between the mountainous Dão region and the Atlantic Ocean, which lends the region a mild, maritime climate with abundant rainfall. Most of the vineyards are small and subdivided, located on the on flatter land. There are two main types of soil: clay-limestone and sand, each influencing the style of the wines produced. Made from the local Baga grape grown on low-yielding, densely planted cordon-trained, spur-pruned vines on clay-limestone soils, with cover crops between the vines. Apparently, this approach is unique for the region.

The grapes were handpicked and crushed then fermented with indigenous yeasts.  The wine is then matured in used French oak barrels and vats for 24 months, followed by 12 months in bottle before release.

Grape: 100% Baga

Tasting Notes: Medium-ruby colour, a vibrant nose showing suggestions of raspberry and damson with a hint of rosehip. Light to medium-bodied and elegant with core of fine acidity and compact tannins. Fresh, perfumed and structured.

Food Match: Ideal with chargrilled octopus and grilled white meats roasted goat.

An alternative to: Pinot Noir and Barolo

Closure: Natural Cork

Awards: Wine and Spirits: 92 pts
Jancis Robinson: 16.5 pts

Farming Practices: Vegan – Contains Sulfites