Cantanhede and its wines

Cantanhede is one of the key municipalities of the wine region of Bairrada DOC, in the central Portugal, a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, between Coimbra e Aveiro.
The Cantanhede area, marked by clay-limestone soils, a a cool, damp Atlantic climate and an average hillside altitude, it is particularly suited to the production of:

• Elegant, long-lived Baga-based reds,

• Traditional method sparkling wines among the best in Portugal,

• Fresh, mineral whites.

This municipality is also home to one of the most prestigious cooperatives of the Bairrada, who has helped to raise the profile of the the quality and typicity of the local wines.

What is the Cantanhede wine district?

Cantanhede falls within the:

• Bairrada DOC → an appellation covering:

  • Bairrada DOC Rosso → based on Baga or blends.

  • Bairrada DOC Bianco → from Maria Gomes, Bical, Arinto.

  • Bairrada DOC Espumante → white and rosé traditional method sparkling wines.

The commune is known both for its elegant reds from Baga, both for the production of fresh, food-friendly traditional method sparkling wines, which have made a name for themselves both nationally and internationally.

Characteristics of Cantanhede Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, garnet highlights with age.

• Whites: Bright straw yellow.

• Sparkling wines: Pale yellow for the whites; cherry pink for the rosés.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, blackberry, raspberry in the reds; apple, pear, citrus in the whites and sparkling wines.

• Floral: White flowers in the whites; rose in the rosés.

• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of pepper, earth and Mediterranean herbs in the reds; chalk and marine notes in the whites.

Palate

• Reds: Fresh, with elegant tannins, structure and longevity.

• Whites: Mineral, fresh, savoury.

• Sparkling wines: Vibrant, fine, with great drinkability at the table.

Typical Grape Varieties of Cantanhede

Black Grape

• Baga: The emblem of the area, taut, elegant, long-lived.

• Touriga Nacional: Floral and soft, often used in blends.

• Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro: In blends to add complexity.

White Grape

• Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires): Aromatic, fruity.

• Bical: Mineral, taut.

• Arinto: Fresh, high in acidity, long-lived.

Why choose a wine from Cantanhede?

The wines of Cantanhede offer freshness, elegance and great versatility.

• I Baga reds are perfect with rich dishes, duck, red meat, aged cheeses.

• I metodo classico sparkling wines they pair right through the meal: fish, shellfish, white meat and Asian cooking.

• I whites are ideal with fish dishes and light Mediterranean cooking.