Joao Pato Aka Duckman Romy Espumante

The Duckman wines express the true character of Bairrada’s indigenous varietals and its exceptional maritime influence. There are no indications of the region on the labels, done intentionally to demonstrate an acute sense of place and varietal typicity through minimal intervention in the cellar. A lovely translucent pale pink with the cherry blossom notes of Baga along with white peach and nectarine are underpinned by an earthy minerality. Bright acidity and just a touch of tannin provide backbone to this incredibly delicious and refreshing wine. This finely wrought, totally natural rendition of Bairrada wines will leave you wanting more from this exceptional coastal region.

Maria Pato, the daughter of Luis Pato, created this project because of her love of the region and varietals, so much so that she felt constrained by the standards of Bairrada wine making. For both of them only the indigenous varietals can be Bairrada wine, not imports that want to claim it as their own identity. Luis and Maria work from two main vineyards, Amoreira da Gândara which is composed of mostly sandy soils, and Óis do Bairro which is composed of mostly chalky-clay soils. Here they grow both red and white varietals: Baga, Bical, Cercial, and Fernão Pires (a.k.a. Maria Gomes).