📍 Bairrada

Bairrada is a wine zone in central Portugal, not far from the Atlantic coast, between the cities of Coimbra and Aveiro. It is a plain with hills and clay and limestone soils. The ocean makes the climate cooler and wetter than in the south of the country.

The main red grape is Baga. It ripens late and has thick skins, and gives tannic, acidic wines that need several years of ageing. Among whites are Fernão Pires, Bical and Rabo de Ovelha; sparkling wines are made from them too. Bairrada is the main centre of Portuguese sparkling wine (espumante) made by bottle fermentation.

The appellation (DOC) is protected by law. Nearby, in the town of Mealhada, the famous roast suckling pig (leitão) is prepared, traditionally served with local reds and sparkling wines.

Bairrada is part of Portuguese winemaking and lies south of the Douro and west of Dão. If Dão is known for elegant reds, Bairrada is known for firm, tannic ones. Bairrada sparkling wine works well with rich dishes, and young Baga with meat and cheese. The name Bairrada on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.