Frei Joao Red 1985
Portugal
was £39.99
This product is currently sold out.
A classic, well-aged Bairrada red made from the indigenous Baga, considered Portugal’s most age-worthy red varietal. With its vibrant acidity and minerality, this wine clearly transmits its terroir and cool climatic influence from the Atlantic.
GRAPE:
100% Baga. Vines planted in clay soil at 75m (246 ft) elevation. Caves S. João was always known to local growers as a sure-to-get-paid and trustworthy buyer. Consequently they always got the best fruit available in Bairrada.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
A traditional and wonderful pair is roast suckling pig; this will also do well with braises and roasted game.
VINIFICATION AND AGEING:
Open top fermentation with extended macerations. 24 months aging in cement tanks before being filtered and bottled.
PRODUCTION:
785 cases (6 pack)
LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:
These vineyards are planted in Bairrada, literally translated from Portuguese as “place of clay.” Bairrada has a mild, maritime climate with abundant rainfall, which can make the rot-prone Baga a difficult variety to grow, but also what gives the wines the acidity to age so well.
TASTING NOTES:
big, burly and powerful, this mature Baga is in fine shape, earthy and a bit weedy, but still showing good acidity that gives it a fresh and vibrant feel. It also has a bit of a tannic kick on the end. Classic and old school, this is a great food wine with a sunny feel and plenty of life ahead of it.
ALCOHOL CONTENT:
12.5%