Luís Pato Vinha Formal 2019

Luís Pato Vinha Formal 2019 is one of the great single-vineyard whites from Bairrada, crafted by Luís Pato, a pioneering producer who, in 1980, ushered in a new era in the region with his first wine under his own label. Vinha Formal is situated in Óis do Bairro, in the historic heartland of Bairrada’s white wines, on a gentle slope with clay-limestone soils, where the Bical grape variety develops structure, freshness and a very distinctive minerality.

2019 Vintage

The 2019 vintage showcases the more serious and gastronomic side of Bical: ripe fruit, good acidity and ageing potential, in a white wine that combines the tradition of the Bairrada with Luís Pato’s technical precision.

Winemaking

To preserve the character of the terroir, Vinha Formal is harvested in two stages: the first harvest, between mid- and late August, prioritises acidity; the second, around two weeks later, brings greater ripeness. Fermentation takes place over around two weeks in used 500-litre chestnut casks, followed by 9 months’ ageing in the same type of wood.

Tasting notes

An elegant and deep aroma, with notes of pear syrup, toasted almond, subtle vanilla and white plum. On the palate, it is dry, full-bodied and very well-balanced, with a creamy texture, firm acidity and a long, slightly salty finish. A white wine with great character, excellent with roasted fish, poultry, soft-rind cheeses and vegetable dishes.

Grape varieties

100% Bical. Alcohol: 13% vol.