A natural white wine from the Bairrada region, produced under the "Duckman" label by Maria Pato. This wine is a blend of 85% Bical and 15% Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) grapes, showcasing the diversity of Bairrada's terroir. The grapes are sourced from two distinct vineyards: Amoreira da Gândara, which has sandy soils contributing vibrant freshness, and Óis do Bairro, with its chalky-clay soils lending richness and structure. João Pato is committed to natural winemaking and sustainable practices, which include minimizing sulfur usage and avoiding animal products, making the wine suitable for vegans.
The viticultural practices involve sustainable farming methods, and the grapes are hand-harvested in early September to ensure optimal ripeness and quality. The winemaking process for White Duck Branco begins with a short period of skin contact. This is followed by spontaneous fermentation, which occurs partially in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for three weeks, relying on natural yeasts. This natural process allows the unique characteristics of each grape variety to express themselves fully. After fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel for three months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its authentic character and ensuring an unadulterated expression of its terroir.
Tasting notes for White Duck Branco describe a vibrant expression of Bairrada, marked by firm acidity. The wine offers hints of white plum, showcasing the fruit characteristics of the Bical and Maria Gomes grapes. The combination of distinct vineyard soils, natural fermentation, and minimal intervention results in a fresh, textural, and terroir-driven white wine.
