Baga grape
Baga is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, tar. Its best-known homes are Bairrada.
Origin and history
An old Portuguese variety grown in the centre of the country, where it has long dominated Bairrada.
Where it grows
Bairrada, plus Dão and other parts of the Beiras in central Portugal.
Structure
Medium to full body, high acidity and very high tannins, needing time to soften; also made into rosé and sparkling wine.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar and smoke. With age: dried fruit, tobacco, cedar, mushroom and earth.
Ageing
Top Bairrada needs 5–10 years and can age 20–30 years.
Also known as
Tinta Bairrada, Poeirinha.
Good to know
Producers such as Luís Pato have shown its potential as the 'Nebbiolo of Portugal'; it is also used for Bairrada's traditional-method sparkling wines.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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