Get on the Bairrada Radar

A 1962 Cantanhede, found in my house! 

Dry, crispy fizz for five euros? Sparkling red? And picturesque vineyards stretching between the Atlantic and mountains?

The Bairrada region has so much to commend it; as a highly productive wine making area, holiday destination and secret waiting to be discovered, based on both.

Bairrada DOC* includes the municipalities of Anadia, Cantanhede, Mealhada, Oliveira do Bairro, and of course includes Curia, my hometown, where we've decided to settle as a family.

Located in the Beira Litoral (coastal) Province, the region enjoys ocean currents that have a moderating effect on the climate and therefore the grapes, namely the principal varieties Baga, Borrado das Moscas, Castelão Frances, Fernao Pires, Rabo de Ovelha and Tinta Pinheira.

Bairrada is bordered to the north by the Lafões IPR and to the east by the Dão DOC and thought to be known for its deeply coloured, tannic red wines that offer 'bellpepper' and 'blackcurrant' flavours.

To me, its outstanding offer is: champagne-rivalling sparkling white (Espumate), and best surprise: fizzy red, the preferred accompaniment to leitão (suckling pig), another local speciality.

There is growth too in rosé production here, a wine producing community that dates back to the 10th century, when newly independent from the rule of the Moors. The 17th century was a notably demanding period for Bairrada grapes too when Port producers, further North in Oporto, were keen to supply growing British demand.

* DOC is Portugal's highest wine classification: Denominação de Origem Controlada

Visit: The Curia station wine shop