Herdade do Rocim "Dr. Bruno" Bairrada

Baga without the weight. A wonderfully fresh side of Bairrada.
Bairrada's great red grape, Baga, has a reputation for producing serious, structured wines with plenty of acidity and tannin. Dr. Bruno takes the variety in a completely different direction. Made as a clarete, a traditional Portuguese style somewhere between a light red and a rosé, it captures Baga's bright fruit and natural freshness while leaving the heavier side of the grape behind.

The wine comes from a collaboration between Herdade do Rocim and Quinta da Lagoa Velha, two producers bringing a modern sensibility to Bairrada. The region itself sits close to the Atlantic between Águeda and Coimbra, where the maritime climate helps preserve acidity and freshness — an important part of what gives Baga its distinctive personality.

Dr. Bruno is all about the joy of discovering what Baga can do when it is allowed to be light on its feet. Bright red fruit, raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate meet a gentle mineral character, silky tannins and a wonderfully refreshing acidity. For wine drinkers in Ireland who usually associate Portuguese reds with richer, fuller styles, this is a completely different proposition — and one that can be enjoyed slightly chilled.

Why we love it:
A seriously charming wine that completely overturns expectations of Baga. It has the freshness and drinkability of a light red, but enough savoury depth and personality to make it genuinely interesting, with the silky tannins and lively acidity giving it a beautifully effortless finish.