The promise of the future comes from Portugal: the Baga

Just when the wine consumer is looking for a light-bodied wine with a low alcohol content, there is the Baga grape! The Lagar de Baixo Barraida Tinto is made from the king grape of Bairrada, the Baga. The wine is light red in color, but surprisingly intense in aroma and taste. Delicate and distinctive in character, with notes of fresh, juicy cherries and blackberries. The taste is powerful with earthy notes and a touch of tannins. This is typical of the Baga grape, which is somewhat reminiscent of the Pinot Noir. Afgezien van zijn jeugdigheid, is de wijn verrassend sappig met een mooie structuur. Dankzij het lage alcoholpercentage (slechts 11%) en de mooie balans van de smaak, nodigt de Lagar de Baixo uit om nog een glas in te schenken.

The Lagar de Baixo Barraida Tinto is a true favorite of our wine buyer! The wine is best enjoyed in a Burgundy glass (which it does bear some resemblance to) and when kept slightly chilled (14-15°C). To bring out the character of the grape and the region as much as possible, winemaker and owner Dirk van der Niepoort (yes, the one from the port!) sought out small plots with very old vines in the Cantonhede region. By combining grapes from old vines with those from younger ones, a wine is created with enormous complexity and aging potential. At the same time, the wine has a pleasant, fresh, juicy, and refined taste. From the 2014 vintage onwards, the wine ferments and ages entirely in used wooden barrels. This allows it to develop even more elegance and complexity. Delicious with roasted poultry or roasted pointed cabbage.

With the acquisition of Quinta de Baixo by Dirk van der Niepoort in 2012, it was possible to recreate the Lagar de Baixo brand. The red Lagar de Baixo is the result of a combination of very old vines and younger vines: complex, serious, but with some youthfulness and grip.

Niepoort Vinhos

Just like the port, Niepoort’s red and white wines are of incredible quality. They are made from indigenous grape varieties and reflect the character of the region. Beautiful dry wines, such as the Redomas, are produced at Quinta de Nápoles in the Douro. In 2012, Dirk purchased the ‘Quinta de Baixo’ estate in Bairrada, a wine region south of Porto. Bairrada is primarily known for its robust, tannic wines with enormous aging potential, although a clear shift towards lighter and fresher styles of wines has been visible in recent years. Here, Dirk produces characteristic wines from the local red and white grape varieties.