Brilliant Baga - Stand aside Pinot Noir?
I am sure wine merchants develop their own DNA, preferences and quirks - some by design and others by evolution or accident. I am not certain where the Baga grape falls within the spectrum of between design and accident, but one is for certain - at Caviste we adore Baga!
So when we discovered that at the end of August we have four wines all made from, or featuring, the Baga grape all made by our friends father and son duo Dirk and Daniel NIepoort, we knew we had to share them.
Native to the ancient coastal Bairrada region between the cities of Oporto and LIsbon, the Baga grape dates back to Roman times. Historically it has been guilty of being overcropped for bulk production wines, in the last thirty years - through careful vineyard management - the grape has become prized for its complexity, versatility and gastronomic charms, combing elements from Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and Northern Rhone Syrah.
Our Four Baga Wines:
Niepoort Nat Cool Baga Tinto 2021 (Litre bottles only)
At only 11% alcohol and in 'cool' litre bottles this is an easy savoury lip-smacking red for sharing. Best enjoyed lightly chilled - and even better in a wine tumbler with charcuterie and cheese. Developed by Dirk and Daniel Niepoort for Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes at this former London restaurant Lisboeta.
Niepoort Espumante Amigos 'Lisboeta' 2018
Only 12 remaining bottles of this sensational evolved 2018 Espumante that features Bairrada grapes including the mighty Baga. Citrus peel and almond notes combine on the palate to create a sipping Espumante to enjoy with crayfish, tuna steak or a spread of grilled vegetables.
Probably our signature and most well known Baga wine, neither heavy nor light, ripe slightly sour cherry cranberry fruit with small tight but delicate tannins. Foot trodden grapes, long fermentation in 2500 litres wooden vats, bottled unfiltered. Perfect with soft white cheeses such as Camembert or Somerset Brie, or an early season partridge.
Niepoort Poeirinho 2016 (Magnums 2018)
Our best and most complex and beguiling Baga in the business and also available in rare magnum formats. Grapes from 100 year old vines are foot trodden in open lagares before concluding fermentation in wooden barrels and maturation in large wooden vats for 20 months. Exhibits an almost timeless quality, oozing complexity with both delicate and forthright notes. Baked cranberries, sour cherries, a whiff of smoke with white pepper notes. A tasting sensation and best enjoyed from Burgundy glasses.
You purchase these wines individually, or as mixed case by clicking the link here.
Enjoy!
