Filipa Pato, 3B Rose, Extra Bruto, Sparkling Wine, Bairrada, Portugal -photo grapelive

n.v. Filipa Pato “3B” Rosé Extra Bruto, Sparkling Wine, Bairrada DO, Portugal.
The Pato wines have become synonymous with Baga, the traditional indigenous red grape varietal of Bairrada, it’s led by Filipa Pato, who started her own project in 2001 after working for the family estate in this coastal Portuguese region. She now works a total of 12 hectares of vineyards, only using native grapes, scattered in various plots throughout the Bairrada appellation. Filipa is a new star in the natural wine world utilizing biodynamic farming practices and minimal-intervention winemaking, she and her husband, the famous Belgian sommelier and restaurateur William Wouters, produce, as they put it, vinhos autênticos sem maquilagem, ‘Authentic Wines Without Makeup’. While known for her reds, Pato does an incredible white made from 100% Bical, the best local white grape, from the ‘grand cru’ village of Oís do Bairro (Filipa’s hometown) that has the class and structure of a exceptional white Burgundy, as well as crafting this grower fizz, that is seriously fun stuff. The 3B Extra Bruto is an aromatic traditional-method sparkling Rosé that comes from 30 year old vines that grow in the sandy soil over a mix of clay and limestone in the Beiras sub zone of Bairrada and it’s a blend of Baga 70% and Bical 30% that were carefully hand harvested and gently pressed with some cask ferments with indigenous yeasts, along with extended lees aging in stainless steel as well. This Atlantic influenced bubbly is wonderfully bright and flavorful with expressive layers and a fine Champagne style mousse showing a bit of toasty/leesy brioche, vibrant and vivid cherry, strawberry and tart berry fruit with a hint of mineral, earth and ruby citrus. Not always easy to find and done in small batches makes it a challenge to year round, but the US market does get a good amount and the price is stupid good for the quality, so searching a bit is rewarding, not just this one, which is a no brainer, but her reds (Bairrada Tinto) and the mentioned white (Bairrada Branco) are must try wines, both her FP and Nossa Calcario series are stylish and intriguing offerings.
($18 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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