$86.00 inc. GST
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: Certified Biodynamic / Soil: Clay and Limestone.
Brillant intense yellow straw colour with greenish rim, good viscosity. Very mineral nose with a certain smokiness due to the limestone soil. It has a distinguished fruity touch of pears (typical Bical) and a slightly nutty character (hazelnut, almonds, pines). After some time in the glass, it even reveals thyme and honey. The mouth is refined, creamy, relatively smooth and has present minerality, a kind of saltiness due to the typical Atlantic climate. The wine is very broad in the mouth with an almost crunchy, nutty texture. The finish is voluptuous with very precise notes of preserved and ripe fruit.
“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.
size | 750mL |
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brand | Pato & Wouters |
vintage | 2023 |
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).
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).
– Sarah Ahmed (20th February 2020).
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.