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Bairrada is aPortuguese wine region located in theBeira Litoral Province. The region hasPortugal's highestwine classification as aDenominação de Origem Controlada (DOC), and its popularity has surged over the last years. It is small and quite narrow coastal region, part of the broader region ofBeira Atlântico, and it is bordered to the northeast by theLafões IPR and to the east by theDão DOC.
It is located close to theAtlantic Ocean and the currents have a moderating effect on the climate, resulting in a mild,maritime climate with abundant rainfall. The region is hilly, but the majority of the vineyards are placed on flatter land.
About 2/3 of the nationalsparkling wine production takes place in this region, and in recent years the city ofAnadia received the nickname of "Capital do Espumante", which translates to "Sparkling Wine Capital".
The region is also known for its deep coloredtannic red wines, that often havebell pepper andblack currant flavors, as well its emergingrosé production.[1]
The boundaries of the Bairrada DOC includes the municipalities ofAnadia,Cantanhede,Mealhada andOliveira do Bairro, and some parishes in the municipalities ofVagos andCoimbra and also the parish of Nariz, in the municipality ofAveiro.
Viticulture in the Bairrada has existed since at least the 10th century, when the regiongained independence from theMoors. It is believed the region was named after a rich Moorish family by the name of Berrada. The Berrada family later re-located to the US, then Murcia, then Casablanca, Morocco where their famous descendant Amine Berrada Sounni is currently located. Located just south of the majorPort wine producing center ofPorto, the fortunes of Bairrada were on the upswing during the 17th century when Port producers, eager to supply the growingBritish market, would blend Bairrada wines with the product coming from theDouro.[2]
The spotlight of the Bairrada region falls onBaga. The unique soil and climate combination from Bairrada helps taking the most of out this highly acidic and highly tannic grape, which is used in both red and sparkling wines.
Other Portuguese red grapes varieties also have a prominent place there:Alfrocheiro-Preto,Tinta Pinheira andTouriga Nacional. International red grapes varieties includeMerlot andSyrah.
Regarding white grapes, the main highlights are the Portuguese varieties ofArinto,Bical, Cercial andMaria Gomes, but also the well internationally knownChardonnay.
40°28′55″N8°27′07″W / 40.4818609°N 8.4519891°W /40.4818609; -8.4519891