Colinas de So Loureno is Fladgates flagship property in this region, located in the small village of So Loureno do Bairro.

Reputed for more than a century for its sparkling wine heritage, Bairrada more recently has been acknowledged for the quality of its red and white still wines. Classical styles, using Portuguese varieties, intertwined with international styles, where French grape varieties are used stand alone or combined with indigenous varieties. Bairrada is a coastal region with a moderate Atlantic climate, that develops into gentle hills of limestone/clay soils. Due to its climate/soil similitude, it is often compared with the world-famous region of Bordeaux. Bairrada gets from 31 to 47 inches of rainfall per year, with more rain, sometimes as much as 62 inches falling, in the eastern part of the region. Temperatures are moderate, thanks to the influence of the ocean. Summers are warm, with plenty of sunshine and winters are mild. Most of Bairradas rain falls in the winter and spring.

Production

Located in the heart of Bairradas limestone fault line. This is the perfect, dream terroir for vines. The property has 61 hectares of vineyards planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Arinto and Sauvignon Blanc. The entire vineyard is dry farmed and vines are planted at high density.

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc , Arinto, and Cercial.

Atlantic influenced climate, protected by the Caramulo and Bussaco mountain ranges. Vineyards planted at high density (5555 plants perhectare) on gentle hills of clay-limestone soils. Completely dry farmed.

Slight cold pre-fermentative maceration. Gentle pressing in a pneumatic press. Stainless steel fermentation in batches with temperature control. About 20% transferred to used 300-liter French oak barrels where fermentation completes and aging begins. Btonnage only in the first 4 to 6 months. Malolactic fermentation may occur in some of the lots. Barrel aging lasts about 12 months, then transferred to stainless steel tanks where the wine remains until bottling. Only released to the market after some bottle aging for better harmony.

Tasting Notes

Bright golden-green. Pronounced aroma of grapefruit and lemon, accompanied by stone fruit such as peach and notes of wet stones. Medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and a persistent minerality that translates into a sapid and refreshing finish.

Delicious with pork loin or mezze.