A sparkling white wine from the Bairrada region of Portugal, produced under the "Duckman" alias by Mariana Pato, daughter of Luís Pato. This Pétillant Naturel is crafted exclusively from Maria Gomes (also known as Fernão Pires) grapes, sourced from 20-year-old vines planted in a 0.2-hectare sandy-soiled vineyard called Amoreira da Gândara. João Pato, as an artisanal wine project, emphasizes natural winemaking and aims to express the true character of Bairrada's indigenous varietals and its strong maritime influence. Their sustainable practices include the use of low-sulfur and avoidance of animal products throughout the winemaking process, making the wine suitable for vegans.
The winemaking process for Maria Duck Pet Nat begins with grapes that are carefully sorted in the vineyard and hand-harvested in mid-August. The grapes undergo a five-day maceration period in stainless steel. Pre-fermentation takes place in plastic vats. Spontaneous fermentation, driven by natural yeasts, occurs for three weeks without temperature control. This fermentation finishes in the bottle, creating a delicate, natural effervescence. Throughout this time, the wine remains on its lees without stirring, contributing to its unique character. The wine is unfined and unfiltered, ensuring its pure, unadulterated essence.
Tasting notes for Maria Duck Pet Nat describe a cloudy, lemon-colored wine with a medium body. The aroma presents notes of pear, apple (both fresh and oxidized), white flowers, and a touch of minerality. The flavors on the palate mirror the nose, with pear, apple, wet stone, and yeast notes. The finish is dry, medium-long, with refreshing acidity. Some describe it as floral on the nose but a bit short and yeasty on the palate, while others note flavors reminiscent of orange marmalade, peach preserves, and nectarine. With an alcohol content of 10.5% or 11%, it is considered an excellent aperitif and is gastronomically versatile. It can be consumed upon bottling or aged for up to two years, with optimal serving temperature between 6-8ºC.
