This unique edition of the Rosa Duck Sparkling Rosé from the Bairrada region of Portugal is a vibrant expression of the indigenous Baga grape, produced under the "Duckman" alias by winemaker Maria Pato. This particular sparkling wine has been crafted using the traditional method—not the pétillant naturel (méthode ancestrale) as with previous editions—a key difference that results in a more structured, refined effervescence while maintaining the project's artisanal focus. Sourced from 20-year-old Baga vines planted in Bairrada's classic clay-limestone soils, this wine is a pure reflection of the varietal and its strong maritime influence, a core tenet of the João Pato project. Maria Pato's sustainable philosophy is evident throughout the process, emphasizing natural winemaking with low sulfur and a strict avoidance of animal products, ensuring the final wine is fully vegan-friendly.
The winemaking process begins with Baga grapes harvested at the end of August, which undergo direct pressing with a very short four-hour skin maceration to achieve the wine’s delicate, pale salmon-pink hue and subtle flavor profile. Following a spontaneous primary fermentation driven by natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks, the wine is bottled with an addition of tirage (yeast and sugar) to initiate the secondary fermentation directly in the bottle—the defining characteristic of the traditional method. This crucial step creates a finer, more persistent bubble structure than the Pét Nat style. The wine then ages on its lees for a duration of six months without stirring, which builds complexity and texture before the final disgorgement process removes the yeast sediment. As with all of Maria Pato's wines, the Rosa Duck is unfined and unfiltered, preserving its authentic character and ensuring an unadulterated expression of the Bairrada terroir.
On the palate, this sparkling rosé presents a hazy, pale salmon-pink color, often with a finer, more structured stream of bubbles due to the traditional method. The aromatic profile is delicate yet complex, offering pristine melon and tart strawberry notes, underpinned by a distinct mineral touch and a subtle hint of savory character. It is bone-dry on the palate, exhibiting a refreshing, clean acidity and a medium-long finish that elegantly mirrors the fruit and mineral notes from the nose.
