Bairrada DOC
A coastal DOC known for sparkling wines and Baga reds.
Bairrada is a narrow coastal wine region in Portugal’s Beira Litoral Province, holding the country’s top DOC classification. It belongs to the larger Beira Atlântico area. The region produces roughly two-thirds of Portugal’s sparkling wine, and Anadia has recently earned the nickname “Capital do Espumante,” or Sparkling Wine Capital.
Quick Facts
- Classification
- Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC)
- Location
- Beira Litoral Province, Portugal
- Municipalities included
- Anadia
- Cantanhede
- Mealhada
- Oliveira do Bairro
- and parishes in Vagos
- Coimbra
- Notable nickname
- Capital do Espumante (Sparkling Wine Capital) for Anadia
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- About 2/3 of the national sparkling wine production takes place in the Bairrada region.
- Viticulture in Bairrada has existed since at least the 10th century, when the region gained independence from the Moors.
History
Viticulture in Bairrada dates back to at least the 10th century, following the region’s independence from Moorish rule. Its name likely comes from a wealthy Moorish family called Berrada. Situated just south of Porto, the major Port wine hub, Bairrada’s fortunes rose in the 17th century when Port producers, aiming to meet growing British demand, blended its wines with those from the Douro.
Grapes
The spotlight of the Bairrada region falls on the Baga variety. The unique soil and climate combination from Bairrada helps taking the most out of this highly acidic and highly tannic grape, which is used in both red and sparkling wines. Other Portuguese red grape varieties also have a prominent place: Alfrocheiro-Preto, Tinta Pinheira and Touriga Nacional. International red grape varieties include Merlot and Syrah. As for white grapes, the main highlights are the Portuguese varieties of Arinto, Bical, Cercial and Maria Gomes, but also the well known international Chardonnay.
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