2023 Caves São João "Rose Bruto", Bairrada, Portugal

ABOUT THIS WINE

This sparkling wine is comprised of 60% Baga, 40% Touriga Naçional. The Vineyards are located in Bairrada. Clay and limestone are the predominant soil type. The climate is Atlantic, with strong cooling effect from the maritime influence and strong winds. Average temperature is 12-15 degrees C. The annual rainfall is around 800mm per year, peaking in autumn and winter. Harvested during the first two weeks of September. Grapes are de-stemmed and lightly pressed (0.5Bar) for a light rose color. The must is fermented in temperature controlled vats for 15 days. At the beginning of December the wine is bottled. After 12 months on the lees, bottles are disgorged in March. Touriga Naçional gives intense rose petal aromas and Baga a bright red fruit character. On the palate, delicate and persistent bead makes for a silky, rich texture. Bright strawberry and red raspberry on the mid palate, complemented by mineral, white pepper and more floral tones. Racy acidity cuts a beam through the middle, making for a food-friendly sparkler.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded in 1920 by the Costa brothers, Vaces São João became a key player in Portuguese winemaking with its iconic brands "Frie João" from Bairrada and "Porta dos Cavaleiros" from Dão. Initially focused on fine Douro wines, the winery shifted to Bairrada table and sparkling wines after a 1930 regulation restricting Port production. Under French enologist Gaston Mainousson, Caves São João gained a reputation for quality wines. Though demand for Bairrada and Dão wines waned in the 1990s, the saw a resurgence 20 years later as consumers sought finesse and freshness. In 2013, the Costa family began releasing library vintages from 1959 to 2000, showcasing the remarkable aging potential of their wines. Today, Caves São João remains the only Portuguese winery to offer such historic vintages commercially, blending tradition with continuous innovation.