Christmas and New Year’s Eve are unique moments, filled with tradition, joy, and, of course, a table full of delicious dishes. To elevate these occasions, there is no better way than to enjoy special pairings with the distinctive wines of Quinta d’Aguieira, crafted with time and dedication. Discover how each wine and sparkling can transform your Christmas dinner or New Year’s celebration into an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Appetisers that Delight Guests

Appetisers set the stage for the celebration and call for wines that enhance the flavours and awaken the palate.

Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Reserva Brut

– Pairing: Creamy Seafood Soup

– Why: The acidity of the sparkling wine complements the creamy texture of the soup and enhances the delicate, salty flavours of the seafood, creating an elegant pairing.

Arco d’Aguieira White

– Pairing: Light salads with citrus fruits, fresh cheeses, or grilled shellfish.

– Why: The balance between the citrus notes and the minerality of Arco d’Aguieira White pairs perfectly with fresh and elegant appetisers.

Main Dishes for Christmas

Christmas dinner features traditional and comforting dishes that deserve wines that match their richness and complexity.

Quinta d’Aguieira Red

– Pairing: Stuffed turkey, roast kid, or spiced pork.

– Why: The elegant tannins and notes of dried fruits and spices in the red wine complement the intense flavours of the meats and their accompaniments.

Quinta d’Aguieira White

– Pairing: Codfish à Brás, octopus à lagareiro, or mushroom risotto.

– Why: The freshness and structure of the white wine balance the richness of the dishes, while the tropical and well-integrated wood notes add sophistication.

Main Dishes for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a more relaxed celebration, but equally full of memorable dishes.

Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017

– Pairing: Grilled lobster, sushi, or vegetable focaccia with goat cheese.

– Why: The fine bubbles and dry profile of the sparkling wine create harmony with delicate flavours, while its freshness makes every bite more vibrant.

Arco d’Aguieira Red

– Pairing: Filet mignon with mushroom sauce or roast leg of lamb.

– Why: The depth and structure of the red wine pair perfectly with succulent meats and more intense dishes.

Desserts that Finish with Sophistication

Christmas and New Year’s desserts call for wines that balance sweetness with freshness, elevating the flavours of each dish.

Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017

– Pairing: Lemon tart, dried fruit cake, or panna cotta with berries.

– Why: The acidity of the sparkling wine cuts through the sweetness of the desserts and highlights the citrus and fruity notes.

Quinta d’Aguieira White

– Pairing: Apple tart or almond-based desserts.

– Why: The subtle wood and tropical notes of the white wine pair harmoniously with aromatic and creamy desserts.

Quinta d’Aguieira Rarity of Time 2007

– Pairing: Blue cheese with honey reduction or Port wine.

– Why: Although not a traditional dessert, the combination of blue cheese with honey offers a blend of salty and sweet that pairs perfectly with robust, aged wines.

New Year’s Toast with Elegance

For the midnight toast, Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017 is the perfect choice. Serve in flute glasses, paired with caramelised nuts or lemon macarons, for a light and sophisticated celebration experience.

Transform the Holidays with Quinta d’Aguieira

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with wines that embody the respect for the terroir of Bairrada and the patience of time. Each bottle from Quinta d’Aguieira carries the expression of unique micro-terroirs, combined with the artisanal dedication that results in balanced, complex, and engaging wines.

Pair special moments with wines that elevate the flavours of the celebrations, bringing sophistication and authenticity to the table. Whether with traditional dishes or contemporary menus, Quinta d’Aguieira wines are the perfect choice to make the holidays unforgettable.

 

In the Bairrada region, known for its unique terroir and excellent wines, Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017 is born. This sparkling wine is a true masterpiece, reflecting a commitment to quality, dedication to time, and the expression of the terroir that defines Quinta d’Aguieira.

The Story Behind the Millésime Sparkling Wine

The Quinta d’Aguieira project is the realisation of a dream by the Guedes family, who began creating singular wines in the Bairrada region in 1997. With 21 hectares of vineyards planted in diverse soils and an artisanal approach, each wine is crafted with patience, honouring time as an essential part of the process.
The Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017 reflects this philosophy. Produced exclusively in exceptional harvest years, this sparkling wine captures the essence of Bairrada, where the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the unique micro-terroirs provide freshness, balance, and sophistication.

The Craft Behind the Bottle

The Millésime 2017 is made using the traditional method, also known as the classic method, which follows a meticulous process to ensure the highest quality:

1. Grape Selection: The Maria Gomes and Chardonnay varieties are chosen for their ability to express freshness, acidity, and elegance. The Touriga Nacional variety adds structure to the wine, as well as delicate floral aromas and subtle red fruit notes, such as strawberries and raspberries.

2. Primary Fermentation: After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo a gentle pressing and ferment at low temperatures to preserve their aromas.

3. Secondary Fermentation: The base wine is bottled with yeast and sugar, where a slow fermentation takes place, producing the fine bubbles.

4. Bottle Ageing: The sparkling wine ages for a long period of 5 years on its lees, developing complexity and toasted notes.

5. Dégorgement: The sparkling wine is finished without the addition of dosage, resulting in a Brut Nature, with the purity and authenticity of its flavours preserved.
The result is a sophisticated sparkling wine, with notes of fresh fruit, light toastiness, and vibrant acidity that gives it a long and persistent finish.

Flavours that Elevate Millésime 2017

The versatility of Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017 allows it to pair well with everything from starters to delicate desserts. Here are some suggestions:

Starters
– Fresh oysters with lemon: The mineral quality of the sparkling wine pairs perfectly with the saltiness and freshness of the oysters.
– Scallop carpaccio: The delicate texture and slightly sweet flavour of the scallops are complemented by the acidity and fine bubbles of the sparkling wine.

Main Courses
– Shrimp risotto with a citrus touch: The creaminess of the risotto is balanced by the freshness and structure of the sparkling wine.
– Roasted quail with aromatic herbs: The toasty notes of the sparkling wine harmonise with the intense and aromatic flavour of the bird.

Desserts
– Lemon meringue tart: The acidity of the tart naturally complements the citrusy and fresh character of the sparkling wine.
– Fresh tropical fruits: Mango, passion fruit, and pineapple highlight the fruity and vibrant flavours of the sparkling wine.

The Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions

Quinta d’Aguieira Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017 is not just a sparkling wine; it is a celebration of dedication, time, and the passion for the art of winemaking. Perfect for toasting to unique moments, it combines sophistication with authenticity, making it essential for special celebrations or even as an unforgettable gift.
Discover the essence of time in a bottle. Toast with Quinta d’Aguieira and experience the true elegance of Bairrada!

The wines of Quinta d’Aguieira are the expression of artisanal care and the richness of the Bairrada terroir. Paired with dishes that enhance their elegance and complexity, each wine becomes the ideal match for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Discover the perfect pairings for each wine, from fresh and aromatic whites to structured and enveloping reds.

Pairings with Arco d’Aguieira white

Arco d’Aguieira White is a wine of refined character, with excellent acidity and notes that combine tropical fruits and citrus freshness. Its structure and intensity allow for creative and balanced pairings.

1. Fig Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella

The natural sweetness of the fig and the creaminess of the mozzarella contrast with the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating an elegant dish that Arco d’Aguieira White complements with its freshness and balance.

2. Baked Fish with Lemon and Capers Sauce

The acidity of the sauce is perfectly balanced by the minerality and citrus hints of the wine, while the fish is elevated by the elegance of Arco d’Aguieira White.

3. Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

The creaminess of the yogurt and the crunchy texture of the pine nuts are complemented by the wine’s freshness, which cleanses the palate and enhances the roasted flavours of the pumpkin.

Pairings with Arco d’Aguieira Red

Arco d’Aguieira Red is a structured and enveloping wine, with firm tannins and aromas of ripe red fruits and spices. It is the perfect match for intense dishes rich in flavour.

1. Roast Suckling Pig with Vegetables

The fat and spices of the suckling pig are balanced by the robust tannins of the wine, while the toasted aromas resonate with the spice notes of Arco d’Aguieira Red.

2. Portuguese Clams (Amêijoas à Portuguesa)

This dish of deep, savoury flavours gains freshness and complexity when paired with a red wine that brings structure, but also enough softness not to overpower the dish’s flavours.

3. Lamb Ragout with Polenta and Parmigiano Reggiano

The intensity of the lamb and the creamy texture of the polenta perfectly harmonize with the body and depth of Arco d’Aguieira Red, creating a rich and comforting combination.

Pairings with Quinta d’Aguieira White

Quinta d’Aguieira White is fresh and aromatic, with floral and ripe citrus fruit notes. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for starters and light dishes.

1. Ricotta, Honey, Pomegranate, and Prosciutto Bruschetta

The freshness of the wine balances the richness of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the ricotta, while the citrus notes complement the sweet touch of honey and pomegranate.

2. Salmon Tartare with Capellini Roe and Quail Egg

The wine’s acidity and citrus aromas cut through the richness of the salmon and highlight the delicate flavours of the roe and egg, creating a perfect balance.

Pairings with Quinta d’Aguieira Red

Quinta d’Aguieira Red presents a refined structure and elegant tannins, with complex aromas of ripe red fruits, such as blackberries and raspberries, and subtle notes of spices and vanilla, from its ageing in wood. It is a versatile choice for meat dishes with rich textures and complex flavours.

1. Beef Wellington

The richness of the puff pastry and the intense flavour of the beef are harmonised by the acidity and balanced tannins of the red wine, which cleanses the palate between each bite.

2. Roast Chicken with Onions, Garlic, and Grapes

The sweet touch of the grapes and the juiciness of the chicken find balance in the wine’s fruity notes and smooth structure, creating a delicate and tasty combination.

Transform Your Meals with Quinta d’Aguieira

The wines of Quinta d’Aguieira are more than just an expression of the Bairrada terroir – they are an invitation to explore flavours and create memories. Each label, with its unique personality, is a celebration of tradition and the artisanal care that defines this prestigious estate.

Pairing these wines with carefully chosen dishes is a journey of discovery. From vibrant, aromatic whites that exalt lightness and freshness, to structured, enveloping reds that invite introspection, there is always a perfect combination to turn a meal into a memorable event.

Discover the versatility and richness of Quinta d’Aguieira wines and let them elevate each moment at the table. Whether an intimate dinner or a celebration with friends, each glass promises an unforgettable toast – to flavour, passion, and the art of pairing.

The Bairrada region, located in the heart of Portugal, is a true winemaking treasure, renowned for the quality and the ability of its wines to age with elegance and complexity. It is here that Quinta d’Aguieira is located, a family project dedicated to creating unique wines, crafted with time, that exemplify Bairrada’s extraordinary potential to produce wines of excellence.

In this article, we will explore how the aging of Bairrada wines, especially those from Quinta d’Aguieira, contributes to their uniqueness and quality. Through artisanal practices and a profound respect for the terroir, each bottle is a masterpiece that evolves over time, offering memorable experiences for wine lovers.

Bairrada: A Region with Unique Potential for Wine Aging

Bairrada is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in Portugal, known for its diverse soils and maritime climate. However, Quinta d’Aguieira does not have the maritime influence typical of most of the region, being more influenced by the flow of the river. This factor creates a unique micro-terroir, with soils composed of rounded gravel, clay, and coarse sand, which provide a distinct freshness to the wines.

The aging potential of Bairrada wines results from the perfect combination of natural factors, such as the freshness brought by the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean in other parts of the region, but also by the particularity of this micro-terroir. Wines from Quinta d’Aguieira are therefore different, reflecting their own identity that allows the expression of grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties, more adapted to the Quinta’s terrain, are used instead of the traditional Baga, which is more common in other parts of Bairrada.

The wines from Quinta d’Aguieira have a unique profile that favours aging. The terroir of the region favours wines with good acidity, structure, and firm tannins, essential characteristics for a wine to evolve well over time. Aging in the cellar is crucial to developing the aromatic complexity and smoothness that make Quinta d’Aguieira wines so special.

A Terroir with a Unique Identity

What makes Bairrada so special to produce high-quality wines?

1. Diverse Soils:

Bairrada is characterised by a mosaic of micro-terroirs, ranging from clay and limestone soils to alluvial deposits. At Quinta d’Aguieira, the sandy-clay soils and layers of rounded gravel provide wines with freshness, structure, and great aging potential.

2. Atlantic Climate:

Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates a balance between warm days and cool nights, ensuring slow maturation of the grapes. This factor is crucial for preserving acidity, giving the wines freshness and elegance.

3. Distinctive Grape Varieties:

The region is widely known for Baga, but Quinta d’Aguieira focuses on varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Maria Gomes, which allow the creation of wines with a unique and markedly gastronomic profile.

The Art of Creating Unique Wines at Quinta d’Aguieira

At Quinta d’Aguieira, the creation of unique wines is a carefully planned process that begins with the selection of grape varieties and the cultivation of the soil and continues until the moment the wine is bottled. Each step is meticulously planned to ensure that the wines produced have the region’s unique character while preserving the qualities that allow exceptional aging.

Selection of Grape Varieties and Vineyard Care

The grape varieties cultivated at Quinta d’Aguieira, such as Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Maria Gomes, are chosen based on their potential for adaptation to the Quinta’s soil and climate, essential factors for the longevity of the wines. Viticulture is done with extreme care, respecting the property’s micro-terroirs to ensure the grapes achieve the perfect balance between freshness and concentration.

The Role of Time in Winemaking

Wines from Quinta d’Aguieira are made both for immediate consumption and for aging and enjoyment after some time. The philosophy at the Quinta is to allow the wines to age until they reach the peak of their aromatic and structural expression. This care is evident in the production methods:

– Controlled Fermentation: Preserves the aromas and vibrancy of the grapes.

– Aging in Wood: Judicious use of French oak barrels adds complexity without overpowering the wine’s characteristics.

– Aging in Bottle: The wines rest in cellars until they achieve perfect harmony, ready to be enjoyed.

The Practice of Aging in Oak Barrels

Aging is one of the cornerstones of creating unique wines at Quinta d’Aguieira. After fermentation, many of the wines are aged in French oak barrels, allowing them to slowly absorb the nuances of the wood and become more complex. During this process, the wine evolves, developing deeper aromas and a unique smoothness.

To ensure that the wine is not overwhelmed by the wood, Quinta d’Aguieira uses second-use barrels, balancing the impact of the wood with the natural freshness of Bairrada. This care is essential to preserve the wine’s identity, respecting its terroir and providing the ideal aging.

Bottle Aging: The Final Touch

After barrel aging, Quinta d’Aguieira wines continue their aging process in bottle, a crucial stage that allows the wines to reach their maximum potential. This period of rest in the cellar is when tannins mature, acidity softens, and aromas become more integrated, creating a balanced wine with great longevity. Quinta d’Aguieira Rarity of Time 2007 and Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime are examples of wines that greatly benefit from this aging process, becoming more complex and sophisticated as the years go by.

Aging and Uniqueness: What Makes Quinta d’Aguieira Wines Special

Aging is, therefore, at the heart of Quinta d’Aguieira’s philosophy. Wines that age in the cellar develop a complexity that cannot be rushed. This process results in wines that have a true story to tell—a story marked by time and dedication.

Wines from Quinta d’Aguieira are a clear representation of what it means to be unique. The combination of aging with the complexity of Bairrada’s terroir creates wines with great ageing capacity, but they can also be enjoyed young, with all the freshness and energy that the region offers.

Pairings for Aged Wines from Quinta d’Aguieira

The aged wines from Quinta d’Aguieira, with their layers of complexity and sophistication, deserve pairings that match their stature. Here are some suggestions to make the most of these wines:

– Quinta d’Aguieira Rarity of Time Red 2007: Pair with roasted meats, such as lamb or kid, and game dishes like partridge or pheasant. The structure and tannins of the wine complement the richness of these meats, creating an irresistible combination.

– Quinta d’Aguieira Red 2020: This wine, with its aromatic complexity, is perfect for more sophisticated dishes, such as mushroom risotto or fillet mignon.

– Sparkling Brut Nature Millésime 2017: Perfect for starters and seafood dishes, such as oysters, shrimp, or ceviche. The freshness and fine bubbles of the sparkling wine cut through the richness of the starters and highlight the delicate flavours.

The Magic of Aging at Quinta d’Aguieira

The aging of wines at Quinta d’Aguieira is an art, a practice that goes beyond the mere passage of time. The dedication to the terroir, the care in selecting the grape varieties, and the artisanal production method are the essential ingredients for creating wines that stand out for their uniqueness. Aging is not just a process; it is a journey that transforms the wine, revealing layers of complexity and elegance that capture the essence of time and terroir.

Discover the true potential of Bairrada and Quinta d’Aguieira and toast to the elegance of time with wines that have a story to tell.

Quinta d’Aguieira: Unique wines, crafted with time.

Tasting old wines is a fascinating experience but requires some care. While many argue that “older wine is better,” the quality of aging depends on various factors such as time in the bottle, storage conditions, cork integrity, and, of course, the wine’s inherent quality and its ability to evolve over 10, 20, or more years.

 

It is essential to note that wines from the same vintage can behave differently in different bottles, especially after about five years of bottling. Several factors influence aging potential, including the grape varieties used, the terroir of the region, the harvest time, and the quality of winemaking and aging processes.

 

For white wines, a cooler climate and the presence of grape varieties with high acidity tend to extend longevity. In reds, a balance between alcohol content, tannins, and acidity plays a crucial role.

 

Over time, aged wines gain complexity and refinement, but age can also signal fragility and decline. In white wines, yellow hues evolve into orange or golden nuances, with possible notes of dried fruits, honey, and spices, depending on the aging process. In reds, the color tends to acquire brownish tones, while aromas of coffee, leather, spices, among others, become more prominent. Tannins, in turn, soften, resulting in more subtle, harmonious, and sophisticated wines. Additionally, over time, some compounds in red wines precipitate, forming sediment that, while not harmful to health, can negatively affect the taste during tasting. Here are five tips for enjoying an old wine:

 

1. Bottle preparation for tasting: Let the bottle stand upright for at least 48 hours for sediments to settle at the bottom. Older wines may take up to a week for the haziness to dissipate.
2. Careful opening: Use a pronged corkscrew to delicately extract the cork, avoiding disturbing the bottle and preserving cork integrity.
3. Proper decanting: When transferring the wine to the decanter, be cautious to avoid sediment passage, as it can compromise the taste, imparting bitterness to the wine.
4. Tasting process: Very old wines may need time to fully reveal themselves. Use tall and wide glasses to allow proper aeration.
5. Considerate pairing: Take the age of the wine into account when choosing accompaniments. Wines over 20 years old tend to be delicate and pair better with lighter, subtle dishes.

 

Consider opening an old bottle when inviting friends or family for a tasting session before dinner. It’s an excellent opportunity to share a glass, enjoy conversations, and possibly complement the meal with the same wine from a more recent vintage.