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Baga grape

Red grape

Baga is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, tar. Its best-known homes are Bairrada.

StyleRed
Body●●●●● (5/5)
FlavoursBlackberry, plum, tar
Key regionsBairrada

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

Cabernet SauvignonSyrah / ShirazPrimitivoAglianicoSagrantinoMourvèdrePetit VerdotTannat

Explore all grapes in the interactive guide

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