Lady Baga is the name of this wine from Quinta do Vallado, an unusual name that I imagine comes from the elegant and approachable character of this relatively young wine made from a grape that usually makes wines requiring a good few years of bottle-ageing.
Baga, of course, is the most important variety of the Bairrada region and this is one of just a few varietals made from the grape in other parts of the country.
This wine is from the Douro and the producer is well-known for the quality of their Port wines (especially aged Tawnies), whilst also producing very good table wines.
This 2021 vintage was aged for 24 months in used French oak barrels and then bottle-aged until being released recently onto the market. New in at Apolónia and priced at €24.95.
The nose is complex with fresh notes of berry fruits and a hint of toast from the oak, medium-bodied in the mouth with dark berry fruit flavours balanced with well-rounded tannins and ending in fresh and dry finish. A perfect partner for nice grilled steak.
By Patrick Stuart
patrick.stuart@open-media.net
