Luis Pato is a renowned Portuguese oenologist who has become a staunch advocate for the baga grape variety. Furthermore, his efforts have been pivotal over the past decades in establishing the reputation of Bairrada as a region producing high-quality red wines. With such a legacy, it's no surprise that his daughter Filipa Pato, as passionate as her father, has followed in his footsteps, continuing to champion and promote the baga variety. But that's not all, for she is also attuned to contemporary trends, champions local grape varieties, supports biodynamic farming, and revives ancient winemaking techniques. This philosophy of work allows her and her husband, sommelier Willian Wouters, to produce authentic wines that truly reflect the terroir's utmost expression.
In the case of Filipa Pato Espirito de Baga, it is a fortified wine in which the dedicated couple aims to capture the full essence of the indigenous baga variety. This monovarietal comes from old vines cultivated according to biodynamic principles and ancient practices. Once the grapes are handpicked, they are piled into a large wooden vat and crushed by foot, as in bygone days, achieving sufficient extraction and color while avoiding the crushing of the bitter seeds. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts and at controlled temperatures. When the desired alcohol level is reached, fermentation is halted by fortifying with the estate's brandy, leaving a residual sweetness in the wine. The wine then ages in old barrels called pipas for 24 months and, ultimately, can mature in the bottle for 15 years or more.
As the Spanish saying goes “the apple doesn't fall far from the tree”, with this wine Filipa Pato continues her father's legacy. Filipa Pato Espirito de Baga is a true homage to the baga variety in its most pure and unadulterated style.