Get to know:Duckman, Branco “White Duck” NV

Tasting Note

Amazing natural white from a small 1.5 hectare vineyard where the vines average 20 years old. It’s unfined and unfiltered so don’t be worried about the cloudy appearance. It’s full of stony minerality, zesty lemon peel and wild herbs, finished with mouth watering acidity.

Try with fried whitebait.

Producer Info

Maria-Joo Pato is Luis Patos middle daughter. Her hybrid first name incorporates both her paternal grandparents names. Grandpa Joo set the Pato family wine dynasty going mid last century. He was the Duckman. No surprise then that Maria-Joo would also have something to add to this nest of innovation and experimentation, drawing on her legendary father’s experience to push the boundaries of what is possible from her homeland terroir and grape varieties.Its all back to basic traditional winemaking methods, with purity and plenty of disruptive intent. Hugely expressive wines with that unflappable spirit of the Duckman!

The Duckman, Branco “White Duck” wine aim to express the true character of Bairrada and its indigenous varietals. Here the grapes are hand harvested and the juice spends a short time with the skins after pressing to extract texture and flavour. Fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeasts and takes place in french oak for around three weeks before ageing for another 6 months in oak.