The grape variety Baga

Baga is a distinguished red grape variety indigenous to Portugal, primarily thriving in the Bairrada wine region. Renowned for its deep colour and lively acidity, Baga delivers a distinctive aromatic profile, often marked by notes of wild red berries, black plum, dried herbs, and subtle floral undertones. Maturation can bring nuances of tobacco, earthy truffle, and sweet spices, with a firm tannic backbone that mellows elegantly with age.

Baga is most synonymous with Bairrada, but also features in Dão and other surrounding regions. Its naturally high acidity and robust tannins make it ideally suited to the Atlantic-influenced climate of Bairrada, where it yields wines of remarkable structure and longevity. Winemakers craft Baga into assertive, ageworthy reds; however, in recent years, fresh, fruit-driven styles as well as refined rosés and sparkling wines (notably 'espumante') have gained prominence.

Pairing Baga wines with food draws upon their rich structure and acidity. They are excellent with hearty Portuguese fare, such as roast suckling pig (leitão), cured meats, game, and richly flavoured stews. For vegetarian options, mushroom risotto and aubergine-based dishes are equally enhanced by Baga’s complexity.