Luis Pato 'Vinha Pan' Baga Bairrada 2013

Press 2 • April 2024 Direct Press Selection Does Baga have the potential for greatness that Nebbiolo is known for? Luís Pato certainly thinks so, and has fought hard for this unique grape that is planted in the rural Bairrada region, located mid-coast between Lisbon and Porto. Baga certainly has the tannin and the astringency needed for extended aging, though in some cases this is so pronounced as to make it as angry as an old man returning soup at a deli. As an admitted contrarian, Baga has always appealed to me with it’s ornery attitude and meaty, iron funk. For the moment it’s still possible to find library releases of old Baga that will blow your mind for a fraction of the price of old Burgundy or Nebbiolo, so that’s another perk of joining the cult of this cantankerous cultivar. The 2013 Vinha Pan is Baga from the Panasqueira vineyard, with chalky soils south-east exposition. It's known for producing the most Nebbiolo-like wines at the Pato estate. It's in great shape now but you