Baião Wine Region

Baião wine appellation is a subregion of the much larger Vinho Verde wine region in the municipality of Baião, Resende, and Cinfaes. The region is located in the interior part of the Vinho Verde region in northwest Portugal, bordering the Douro region. The Baião wine region stands out in the region for its unique white wines made from the Avesso grape variety that has high fruity aromas with crispiness. The terroir of the region is perfect for the production of excellent white wines as well as sparkling wines. The sparkling wines from the region are of superior quality that is recognized among wine enthusiasts all over the world. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Baião!

Where is the Baião wine region?

The Baio wine area is located in the municipalities of Baião, Resende, and Cinfaes in the Entre-Douro-e-Minho region in northwest Portugal. The Minho river runs through the northwest corner of Baião, forming a common border with Spain. The Douro River, Freita, Arada, and Montemuro mountains border the Baião wine area from the south. The mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Cabreira, and Maro border the region to the east. The region joins the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Baião wine area is one of Portugal's major Demarcated regions and one of Europe's largest.

History of the Baião wine region

The winemaking in the Baião wine region dates back to ancient Roman times. The viticulture in the area developed during the 12th century which soon became the major economic source. During the 12th century, the government also exempted the tax for five years for planting vines. The wines from the Baião wine region gained popularity across Europe and in the 17th century, the wines were exported to England and other nearby countries. 

The terroir and geography of the Baião wine region

The Minho river runs through Baio's northwest section, forming a shared border with Spain. From the south, the Baio wine region is bounded by the Douro River, and the Freita, Arada, and Montemuro mountains. To the east are the mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Cabreira, and Maro. To the west, the region connects with the Atlantic Ocean. The Baio wine region is one of Portugal's most important Demarcated zones, as well as one of Europe's largest. The climate is mild, with hot summers and less cold winter allowing grapes to mature late and evenly. The Azal and Avesso grapes benefit from the hotter climate of the region.

Popular grape varieties from the Baião wine region

The major grape variety grown in the Baião wine region is Avesso. Other grape varietals cultivated in the region are Alvarinho, Azal, Arinto, Loureiro, Espadeiro, Padeiro, and Vinhão. The wines from the area have a freshness and great acidity reflecting the terroir of the Baiao. The wines have good aromatic intensity with citrus notes, tropical fruits, and green berries. 

Food to pair with Baião wine 

Lobster Roll

The dish is simple to make and tastes great on any occasion. A major cuisine from Maine, the lobster roll consists of cooked lobster meat, drenched in melted butter and placed into a long hot dog as a roll. The roll might include lettuce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. The dish is often served along with potato chips or french fries in restaurants. The dish is said to be originated from Connecticut while some claims it to be from Maine. This simple savory dish goes well with wines made from Avesso grapes from the Baiao wine region. 

Sashimi

Sashimi is a traditional Japanese snack consisting of thinly sliced raw fish, shrimp, or pork (tuna, squid, scallop, whale, and octopus). Soy sauce, wasabi, and other spices are commonly served with the dish. Depending on the chef and the occasion, the dinner can be prepared in a variety of ways. The slices are cut in several ways, from extremely thin to thick. Shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads are common accompaniments to sashimi. Because even numbers are considered inauspicious, the Japanese traditionally offer an odd amount of sashimi slices on the plate, known as mukozuke. This dish pairs well with both red and white wines from the Baiao wine appellation.

Foie Gras

In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which the ancient Egyptians discovered. Foie gras immediately became a delicacy for monarchs and noblemen when it arrived in Gaul. It has since become an important part of French cuisine, signifying culinary talent, culture, and sophistication.

The foie gras can be purchased whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It is occasionally served in terrines, pan seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. Crisp Baiao wines with a mineral taste profile enhance the creamy foie gras. Baiao wines complement the buttery texture of foie gras.

Places to visit in the Baião wine region

Serra do Marao

Serra do Marao is the sixth highest mountain located on the border between Trás-os-Montes, Alto Douro, and Douro Litoral in continental Portugal. The granite mountains reach the maximum altitude of 1415 meters above sea level with a northwest-southeast orientation. There are historical mines in the area full of iron, tin, and lead. Famous writers including Miguel Torga and Teixeira de Pascoais found their inspiration in the foothills of Serra do Marao. The region has a mild climate with the possibility of nature tourism and adventure sports. 

Presa de Carrapatelo

The Carrapatelo dam is located on the Douro River in Portugal's Porto area. The Carrapatelo dam's construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1972. Admiral Américo Thomaz, then President of the Portuguese Republic, dedicated it on June 18, 1972. The dam is notable for being the first hydroelectric plant erected on the national section of the Duero River, as well as the one with the largest drop, 36 meters, of the five located wholly on the Portuguese course of the Duero. The dam has a height of 57 meters, a crest length of 400 meters, and a lock enabling ship passage.

You can also visit WineTourism.com partner winery A&D Wines - Quinta de Santa Teresa to discover a family-run winery dedicated to producing quality wines and upholding their tradition.

Frequently asked questions about Baião