Poço do Lobo Espumante Bruto Tinto

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Founded in 1920 by the Costa brothers, Caves São João became a key player in Portuguese winemaking with its iconic brands "Frei João" from Bairrada and "Porta dos Cavaleiros" from Dão. Initially focused on fine Douro wines, the winery shifted to Bairrada table and sparkling wines after a 1930 regulation restricted Port production. Under French enologist Gaston Mainousson, Caves São João gained a reputation for quality wines. Though demand for Bairrada and Dão wines waned in the 1990s, they saw a resurgence 20 years later as consumers sought finesse and freshness. In 2013, the Costa family began releasing library vintages from 1959 to 2000, showcasing the remarkable aging potential of their wines. Today, Caves São João remains the only Portuguese winery to offer such historic vintages commercially, blending tradition with continuous innovation.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

Poço do Lobo Espumante Bruto Tinto is a rare example of a Traditional Method red sparkling wine from Portugal’s Bairrada region. Crafted by Caves São João, it blends Baga, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon—grapes not typically used for sparkling wine—and ages for at least 12 months on lees. The result is a distinctive wine that bridges freshness, structure, and depth, with fine bubbles and regional character.

GRAPE:

40% Baga, 30% Touriga Nacional & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:

This red sparkler pairs well with oily fish like sardines or mackerel, grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or roast turkey. Its structure and acidity also make it a good match for rich poultry or game birds.

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

Bairrada is located in the western part of the Beiras, between the mountainous Dão region and the sunny and breezy Atlantic beaches. Bairrada has a mild, maritime climate with abundant rainfall with vines planted in clay, limestone and sandy soils. The Poco do Lobo estate is only 15k from the sea 230 feet above sea level in the Bairrada region in central Portugal. The 37 hectare property is planted mainly to Arinto and Baga. Bairrada is a very important area for sparkling wines. Base wines for sparkling wines need the kind of high acidity that the cool climate of Bairrada offers so the region is well suited to producing still and sparkling wines for posterity.

TASTING NOTES:

Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with intense aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry. On the palate, it is vibrant and fresh, with a creamy mousse, soft tannins, and layered, juicy fruit that lingers through the finish.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

12%