Bairrada

The first records of viticulture in the Bairrada region date back to the 10th and 11th centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that Bairrada became a true producer of quality wines. In 1979, the area was reclassified as Vinho Regional (Country Wine) and later as a DOC zone. The vineyards cover an approximate area of 15,000 hectares.

The name of the denomination comes from the nature of the soils, called "barros" due to their clay-rich composition. The climate is defined by the proximity to the ocean, with a fresh and humid Atlantic profile. This factor, combined with clay, limestone, and sandy soils, promotes the production of grapes with high acidity and low alcohol content, resulting in fresh and aromatic wines.

Bairrada is the most important Portuguese region for sparkling wine production. It also produces white wines – currently booming – and red wines, crafted from both traditional and international grape varieties.

Although the red grape variety baga is traditional in the region, Bairrada winemakers also work with white grape varieties such as arinto, bical, cercial, chardonnay, fernão pires (maria gomes), pinot blanc, rabo de ovelha, sauvignon, sercealinho, and verdelho. Similarly, the red grape varieties of Bairrada include alfrocheiro, baga, camarate, castelão, jaen, and touriga nacional.