Bairrada is a wine region in Portugal, known for producing both red and white wines, along with traditional method sparkling wines. It is located in the Beira Litoral region and protected by mountains to the east and west, providing favorable conditions for viticulture with its mild Mediterranean/subtropical climate.
The region was officially demarcated as a wine region in 1979 and utilizes several grape varieties but is best known for the Baga grape, which produces sturdy and tannic red wines with high ageing potential. In terms of soil, Bairrada's vineyards mostly have a clay-limestone composition.
A characteristic feature of Bairrada's wine is its high acidity, which contributes to its aging potential. Bairrada's wine culture is also closely connected to its gastronomy, with traditional roast suckling pig (Leitão da Bairrada) being a popular regional dish.
Additionally, Bairrada has been recognized as a Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC), a system used in Portugal analogous to the Appellation system used in France, which implies a certain level of quality and the integral use of traditional winemaking methods.
