Pato & Wouters Nossa Calcario Bical Branco 2021

100% Bical – The grapes are handpicked from one vineyard in Ois do Bairro (Filipa’s hometown). Chalky clay mid-slopes with eastern orientation to the sun and a very intense Atlantic influence (only 15 km from the ocean). The vines are average 40 years old. The valley of Ois do Bairro has been known for centuries for the quality of its white wines. In fact the wines coming from this valley were the first whites to be exported to the ex-colonies (Brazil, Angola, etc.). The grapes are handpicked from one vineyard in Ois do Bairro. Long pressing of full bunches. The juice is free-run to the casks. Fermentation with the wild yeast in an old traditional cellar with a natural constant temperature under 20°. Matured for 8 months in 500-600L casks, then for two months in bottle prior to release. No batonnage is done to maintain freshness. Farming Practice: Practicing Biodynamic /  Soil: Clay and Limestone.

JamesSuckling.com

Bical Bairrada Branco Nossa Calcário 2020 – 94 / 100 Points

No.31 in JamesSuckling.com Top 100

This pure Bical shows aromas of pears with shy herbal and pine cone notes. The palate is elegant and subtly creamy with fresh acidity and austere minerality. Linear and focused, with a pleasant saline note. This comes from various vineyards planted, as its name suggests, in calcareous soil in the village of Ois do Bairro. Fermented and aged in 500-liter and 2,000-liter foudres. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter and Ecocert certification Drink now.

– James Suckling (31st August 2024).

Decanter Magazine (Portugal Power Couple Tasting)

Nossa Calcário Bical, Bairrada, Portugal, 2019 – 95 / 100 Points

Tarragon and sorrel-edged smooth, waxy orchard fruits. Piquant, salty minerality, suggestions of oyster shell, earth and subtly smoky bonito flake nuances. Beautifully integrated acidity carries a long, composed, crystalline finish, with a gently nutty quality. Lovely purity, depth and finesse. Sourced from a single vineyard on Ois do Bairro’s chalky clay soil, and aged in French oak.

– Sarah Ahmed (1st July 2021).

Decanter Magazine (Top 20 Atlantic Whites from Portugal)

Nossa Calcário Bical 2018 – 94 / 100 Points

– Sarah Ahmed (20th February 2020).

JancisRobinson.Com

Nossa Calcário 2018 Bairrada – 17 / 20 Points

Bical from a single vineyard which has high limestone content and stony clay. Fermented and aged in French oak, I believe mostly 500 litres and used, though perhaps a small percentage of new. Pale gold with light notes of spice and oatmeal/lees that indicate the oak but they don’t overwhelm the zesty, slightly smoky citrus and cedar aromas and flavours. This is really classy on the palate: purity of fruit, subtle use of oak, firm, dry yet creamy texture and excellent freshness. And on the long finish, a gentle oaky aftertaste. There’s no excess weight here but there’s intensity even without huge depth on the mid palate. Sophisticated and moreish at the same time. Clean, precise finish.

– Julia Harding MW.