Despite its recent demarcation (1979), Bairrada is a region with a long tradition of wine production. The wines produced there are full of character and have such a distinctive personality that it is relatively ‘easy’ for those familiar with the region to identify its wines in a blind tasting.
But there is a very special category of wines in Bairrada, the ‘classics’, which were created in response to an increase in demand for wines with greater identity, estate wines, smaller productions, but much more demanding.
To achieve the ‘Classic’ designation, the wine must follow a series of rules, which make them a very restricted group of wines. So let's understand how a wine can have this designation and why we don't find many examples?
Red wines must be made from the Baga, Camarate, Castelão (Periquita) and Touriga Nacional grape varieties. In terms of ageing, classic wines can only be sold after a minimum of 30 months of ageing, 12 of which must be in the bottle. The grapes must come from vineyards with a yield of no more than 55 hectolitres per hectare, and the minimum alcohol content is 12.5%.
Whites are authorised to use Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires), Bical, Cercial, Arinto and Rabo-de-Ovelha. The minimum alcohol content is 12% and the maximum production per hectare is similar to that of reds. As far as ageing is concerned, the minimum time is 12 months, six of which must be in the bottle.
A statement of quality and exclusivity. Shall we find out more?
