Reserva Tinto (2018) - Sidónio de Sousa

In the heart of the Bairrada region, the Sidónio de Sousa winery keeps alive a tradition going back generations, weaving the story of the Baga grape variety together with that of the family. One fascinating anecdote tells how, during the difficult years of the mid-twentieth century, Sidónio's grandfather, a man of great ingenuity and passion for wine, managed to save his vines from the ravages of phylloxera thanks to a stroke of genius: planting roses at the ends of the rows. The roses acted as sentinels, showing the first signs of disease and allowing prompt action.

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 Reserva Tinto

Who makes it: Sidónio de Sousa

Sidónio de Sousa is a winery that is a genuine benchmark in the wine scene of Portugal, and in particular in the Bairrada region. Located in Cantanhede, this wine estate is known for its dedication to quality and tradition, producing wines that best express the unique characteristics of the area. The winery stands out for its focus on native grape varieties, in particular those covered by the Bairrada DOC. Here, the favourable climate and soil make it possible to obtain high-quality grapes, which are turned into wines with a distinctive character and great personality.

The vine of Reserva Tinto

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.

Reserva Tinto: the Cantanhede area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Clay

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Reserva Tinto

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: A structured red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, typical of the Bairrada region.