Marquês de Marialva Baga Reserva (2019) - Adega de Cantanhede

Baga is the flagship variety of the Bairrada region, known for its acidity and pronounced tannins, which give the wines great ageing potential.

The appellation: Bairrada DOC

The Bairrada DOC is one of the most historic and fascinating appellations in Portugal, in the Beira Litoral region, between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland hills. Famous above all for its powerful, long-lived reds based on Baga, Bairrada is enjoying a renaissance thanks to a new generation of producers who interpret the area with elegance and modernity. Alongside the great reds, the appellation also produces Metodo Classico sparkling wines of exceptional quality and fresh, mineral whites. The name "Bairrada" comes from “barro”, meaning “clay”, a reference to the clay-rich soils that characterise the area.

What to eat with Marquês de Marialva Baga Reserva

Who makes it: Adega de Cantanhede

Founded in 1954 by a group of 100 winegrowers, Adega de Cantanhede is today the leading cooperative winery of the Bairrada region, in Portugal. With around 700 active member growers and annual production of 6-7 million kilos of grapes, it accounts for over 30% of the region’s total production and certifies around 80% of its output under the DOC Bairrada and IGP Beira Atlântico appellations . The production philosophy rests on: Championing native grape varieties such as Baga, Bical and Maria Gomes Technological innovation with ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 22000:2005 certification Research and development in partnership with scientific bodies such as BIOCANT and the IPN in Coimbra Sustainability and respect for the land

The vine of Marquês de Marialva Baga Reserva

Baga

Baga is a black grape variety native to Portugal, grown mainly in the Bairrada region, between the Atlantic coast and the central hills. It is one of the most characterful and distinctive varieties in Portugal, often compared to Nebbiolo or Aglianico for its ability to produce tannic, fresh, mineral and extraordinarily long-lived wines. For decades considered a “difficult” grape because it is so tannic, Baga is today at the heart of a great renaissance, thanks to growers who bring out its fresher, more elegant and territorial side, working it with lighter extractions and ageing it more gently.

Marquês de Marialva Baga Reserva: the Cantanhede area

Climate: Oceanic

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Inland area

Profile of Marquês de Marialva Baga Reserva

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruits (cherry, plum), jam

Secondary aromas: Toasty notes, mocha, dark chocolate

Tertiary aromas: Sweet spices, vanilla, almond

Tasting notes: A well-defined garnet colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruit and jam dominate, alongside toasted and mocha shades. On the palate, it is fruity, soft and elegant, with great volume and a long finish.