Pato & Wouters Nossa Calcario Bical Branco 2023

“Nossa!” Its name is spontaneously evocative . “Calcário” means “chalk” in Portuguese, which refers to the calcareous soil found in these vineyards. Located at the very heart of Bairrada, Óis do Bairro is one of Bairrada’s flagship villages and among its most celebrated. The Bical from Óis do Bairro has been known for centuries for its exceptional quality. It was one of the first white wines of Portugal to be exported to the ex-colonies. Working with biodynamic practices and being inspired by the viticulture of Filipa’s grandmother helped to understand the notion of “un terroir unique” for Bical. Serve it cool but not too cold (8-10 °C) in fine glassware.

JamesSuckling.com

Bical Bairrada Branco Nossa Calcário 2023 – 93 / 100 Points

A pure and crisp bical with a timid nose of fennel, pears and touches of oyster shells and limes. This is really minerally and agile, with incisive acidity and subtle stone fruit character in the finish. Balanced and graceful. This comes from various vineyards planted, as its name suggests, in calcareous soils in the village of Óis do Bairro. Fermented and aged in 500- and 2,000-liter foudres. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter and Ecocert certification. Drink now.

– James Suckling (30th 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.