Luis is a great producer from Bairrada, in central coastal Portugal between Porto and Lisbon. Something of a maverick throughout his 35 years of winemaking in the region. Luis Pato's flagship red comes from a selction of old vineyards and therefore different soiltypes, with all vines over 40 years old (and some much older). This includes a small part coming down from the top Pan and Barrosa cuvees. Stainless steel vinification with a over a year aging in used french barrels results in a fantastic red wine, so very typical of the region and the baga grape variety.
His old vine Tinto is a very interesting expression of the Baga grape, the most prevalent variety in Bairrada and one which Luis has mastered in his own way. Fermented with stalks and skins and then aged in large 600-litre barrels for 18 months.
Raspberry on the nose with dark fruits and pine. Vanilla black olive and dark plum on the palate developing into woody, chocolatey flavours with a lasting finish. An hour in a decanter brings out a wonderful rock-rose perfume.