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ONE OF BACALHÔA’S WINEMAKERS, FRANCISCO ANTUNES, WAS RECENTLY
VOTED ‘2023 BEST WINEMAKER’ BY GRANDES ESCOLHAS MAGAZINE
BACALHÔA HAS FOUR HEAD WINEMAKERS, INCLUDING FILIPA TOMAZ
DA COSTA
tals is both an advantage and a challenge, admits Costa, because “although it is a differentiating
factor, it requires extra effort to raise awareness of Portuguese wines”.
BACALHÔA, AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF INNOVATION
Another aspect that factors into the current popularity of Portugal’s wine industry is undoubtedly
the financial side. Fábio Vieira, the export manager at Bacalhôa, agrees: “The outstanding
value for money of Portuguese wines has helped boost exports”. Portugal now sells remarkable
wines at very competitive price points, which knock the spots off those of neighbouring countries.
That doesn’t mean it compromises on quality. This is especially true of Bacalhôa which has
always realised that to establish a pedigree in export markets, you have to rank alongside internationally
renowned wines. For many years it has focused on technological innovation and
a robust team of professionals with proven skills to further its commitment to excellence. To
expedite its presence in international markets, though, it has not changed the style of its wines,
points out Vieira, because the company “was already marketing one range of wines in a modern
style and another more classically styled portfolio”, thereby spanning the spectrum of demand.
The company has a foothold in several famous Portuguese wine regions, producing wines in
Alentejo, Setúbal Peninsula, Bairrada, Beiras, Dão and the Douro. Although Port and Madeira
continue to be the most highly represented on the international stage, “wines made from native
grape varieties are now increasingly in demand”, stresses Vieira. That’s a blessing for Bacalhôa
which grows primarily indigenous grapes, although it does have some Cabernet-Sauvignon,
Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah plantings. Recently, it has introduced the Italian variety Greco
and planted significant amounts of Pinot noir to produce world-class sparkling wines. The
same quality focus has also led it to develop an interest in the native Baga grape variety which
is due to be used for the first time during this year’s harvest. Another new release this year is a
wine made entirely from vineyards planted in 1931 that has now been bottled and is ready to be
launched, underscoring the company’s relentless quest for perfection.
SPRING 2024 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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