NV Filipa Pato '3B' Blanc de Blanc

Region: Bairrada < Portugal
Grapes: Cerceal, Bical, Maria Gomes
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming, 30-year-old vines planted on sand over clay-limestone; ferments in big barrel and stainless steel vats; minimal So2; 12% ABV
Winemaker: Filipa Pato

Filipa Pato, daughter of Portugal’s wine Jedi Master Luis Pato, worked alongside her dad for years, then channeled that experience towards making incredible, honest wines of her own. And judging by how fast we drained this bottle, it seems the force is very strong with this one. Her slogan is “without make-up”, because the goal is to make wine that is honest, true and without all the tricks and additives available in modern winemaking.

Like this pretty Brut Nature, a delicious and unpretentious sparkler made from a blend of coastal Bairrada’s three traditional white (and high acid) varietals for a clean expression of the vineyards strong Adriatic influence. Bright and perky, with aromatic stone fruit, tangy citrus and racy acidity, this is a clean, fantastic (and affordable!) answer to all-occasion (and everyday!) bubbles.