São João Espumante Rosé Bruto

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Albano, José, and Manuel Costa founded their winery in 1920, naming it after São João, the patron saint of the region of Bairrada. This Carmelite monk was responsible for initiating the construction of the Bussaco Monastery in 1628. Initially, they set out to make Port wines, wanting to cash in on the boom in demand for Port. A 1930 ruling prohibited the bottling of Port wines outside of the Vila Nova de Gaia area, where the port shippers still conduct business today, and Caves São João turned to the production of still wines from the Bairrada and Dão regions. Later, realizing Bairrada’s potential for producing world-class white and sparkling wines, they hired the French winemaker Gaston Mainousson to spearhead Bairrada’s establishment as the preeminent region for sparkling wines in Portugal. With help from Mainousson, the brothers launched there brands: Caves São João (which made wines from Bairrada and Dão), Frei João from Bairrada and Porta dos Cavaleiros from the Dão. Ultimately, these brands became ubiquitous in the Portuguese wine scene of the 20th century.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

The singular terroir of Bairrada makes for world-class sparkling wine. The vineyards are planted 12 miles from the ocean, battered by the northern Atlantic winds for which the area is well known. Made in the Traditional Method which gives this wine a soft, silky texture, combined with the floral tones and bright fruit of its indigenous varietals.

RATING HISTORY:

2021 92W&S "Best Buy"; 2019 90IWR; 2014 89RP

GRAPE:

This sparkling wine is comprised of 60% Baga, 40% Touriga Naçional. Grapes are planted in clay and limestone, less than 12 miles (20 km) from the Atlantic Ocean.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

This is a terrific aperitif-style Rosé, enjoyable on its own. It also makes a lovely complement to shellfish, fried seafood, tempura, and spicier Asian cuisine.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:

Harvest in first two weeks of September. Grapes are de-stemmed and lightly pressed (0.5Bar) for a light rose color. The must is fermented in temperature controlled vats for 15 days. At the beginning of December the wine is bottled. After three months on the lees, bottles are disgorged in March.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

The vineyards are located in Bairrada, less than 20km from the ocean. Clay and limestone are the predominant soil type. The climate is Atlantic, with strong cooling effect from the maritime influence and strong winds. Average temperature is 12-15 degrees C. The annual rainfall is around 800mm per year, peaking in autumn and winter.

TASTING NOTES:

Touriga Naçional gives intense rose petal aromas and Baga a bright red fruit character. On the palate, delicate and persistent bead makes for a silky, rich texture. Bright strawberry and red raspberry on the mid palate, complemented by mineral, white pepper and more floral tones. Racy acidity cuts a beam through the middle, making for a food-friendly sparkler.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

12.5%

UPC CODE:

5601831205098

BOTTLE WEIGHT:

1.65 lbs (.75 kg)