João Pato, operating under the playful alias "Duckman," is a wine production company based in the Bairrada region of Portugal, a territory renowned for its profound winemaking legacy. This enterprise is the brainchild of Maria Pato, the second daughter of the established winemaker Luís Pato, making her part of the esteemed Pato family lineage in Portuguese wine. Maria adopted the "Duckman" persona and its associated whimsical, often surreal, and eye-catching, duck-themed labels as a form of playful rebellion against traditional norms, while simultaneously ensuring the wines remain intrinsically true to Bairrada's essence. This approach allows Maria to carve her unique path within her family's renowned legacy, creating a brand as distinctive as the wines it represents.
The viticulture underpinning João Pato's wines is focused on indigenous Bairrada grape varietals. The vineyards are located in a coastal haven roughly two hours north of Lisbon, where the unique terroir is defined by limestone and sandy soils. This specific geographical and geological context, combined with the region's distinct maritime influence, directly shapes the character of the grapes. The producer's commitment to sustainable practices is inherent in Maria's dedication to natural winemaking processes. This philosophy minimizes intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar, ensuring that the wines are authentic expressions of their place of origin.
The true magic of João Pato wines resides in their dedication to natural winemaking. Maria meticulously crafts the wines utilizing Indigenous Bairrada grape varietals, showcasing the region's distinct maritime influence. The natural processes employed in the winery, including minimal intervention, translate into expressive wines deeply reflective of their terroir. This dedication to natural winemaking and the Bairrada region's inherent characteristics defines the wines produced by João Pato (Duckman), offering an exploration of Bairrada that is both innovative and profoundly respectful of its heritage.
