Bairrada wine
The country of Portugal is situated in the continent of Europe, towards the north western part. Surrounded on two dies by Spain and on the other two by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has no absolute weather conditions or climatic variations except in the extreme north east and south east. The major river named Tagus has formed extensive river valleys indented in the northern part while there are rolling plains formed in the southern part. the climatic conditions together with the mechanical processes required has made various regions of Portugal as conducive to wine cultivation and extensive vineyards located in various corners of the country have come to become a part of the Demarcated Wine Regions.
Portugal is one of the world’s largest wine producers and wine exporters and both the Portuguese white and red wines are famous worldwide for their distinct taste and flavor. The Bairrada wine, also known as Vinho da Bairrada derives its name from the term ‘barros’ meaning clay. Therefore it is evident that the region producing the Bairrada wines are made up of clayey soil. This region comprises of an ancient vineyard which had been existent since mythical times but it was only in 1979 that it came to be recognized as part of the demarcated wine regions or the Regiao Demarcada da Bairrada. In this region made up of clayey soils, the grapes are facilitated to attain full growth and aging as the vines are grown facing the sun. While both red and white castas contribute to the production of the Bairrada wines, it is the Baga casta which is prevalently used in the wines. This region is further well known for the quality of shining white wine it produces. Apart from this variety, the region produces white wines, red wines and table wines. It is a popular custom in Portugal to drink the Vinho da Bairrada in the accompaniment of a roasted piglet in restaurants.
