Luis Pato is known as the rebel winemaker because he focused on reviving an obscure indigenous variety, unknown outside of Portugal, at a time when improvement, to most winemakers, meant planting international varieties. When the majority of growers were tearing out their baga, a stubborn grape that known to be high yielding and easy rotting, he developed a method of optimising the vineyards by doing multiple harvests. For example, the Quinta do Moinho Vineyard (comprised of chalky/clay soil planted with 20-30 year old vines) may obtain three wines: The Bruto Sparkling (from the lest ripe, first picking), Rebel Baga (second picking), and the single Quinta (garrafeira style) Quinta do Moinho red. He is a driving force in the Bairrada region, now with many winemakers following in his footsteps. Pato was first a chemical engineer before taking over as winemaker. On a personal level, Pato is endlessly inventive, a family man with an infectious humor - which is not spared in look of his wine.
| Tasting notes |
| Rebel Baga is 90% baga, 9% Touriga, and 1% Bical. It undergoes a short macerations and a cool controlled temperature fermentation. Intended for consumption as a young wine. It has aromas of blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate, and pine resin, which resonates on the pallate. In the mouth it is full, while maintaining an elegance that is unique to baga. It is a great accompaniment to baked or grilled fish, and meat dishes. 12,000 bottles produced. |
