Vadio, Tinto, Bairrada, Portugal, 2018

Vadio is a new producer in the Justerini & Brooks portfolio for 2022. Couple Luís Patrão and Eduarda Dias own this 7.5ha Bairrada estate, farming as organically as possible and taking a low-intervention approach in the winery. Their light-bodied Baga is judiciously aged in used oak for two years and shows considerable elegance for the price. Red berries, cherry and redcurrant fruit is paired with earthy minerality and a touch of florality, underpinned by fresh acidity.

Scoring highly for its tremendous bang-for-buck, this entry-level Baga reveals sandalwood, baking spice and orange peel lift to the pomegranate, blood plum and blueberry fruit. With a sandpapery rasp of tannin and cleansing, smoky, chalky acidity, Baga’s signature dynamic structure brings energy. Expressive and highly approachable now, but has the structure to age too.