Ken's Picks
Luis Pato Baga Vinho Espumante Brut N/V 12.5% abv
Bairrada, Portugal
Tasting Notes: Baga is a dark-skinned grape variety used to make red wines in the central coast of Portugal. Notable for the thickness of its grape skin in proportion to the size of the small berries, its name means "berry" or, better, "droplet", although neither of these terms capture the tannic, astringent nature of many wines made from Baga grapes. Because of its nature, it is ideally suited for the production of sparkling wine. Luis Pato, wine maker extraordinaire, has crafted an exceptional spumante from this varietal. A stunning sockeye salmon pink, it expresses cherry, raspberry, and cold cream on the nose. The palate begins with an explosive, dense, and frothy mousse, followed by a persistent and fine bead. Flavors: notes of roasted cherry, orange peel, plum, pear, and brown butter. This is a very elegant alternative to champagne (this wine is fermented in stainless steel before dosage and secondary fermentation in bottle for 9 months). Serve with appies, charcuterie. Drink now.
Price: $22.99 750 ml