Duckman Bical NV, Joao Pato

If you like your wines from off the beaten track, you should be exploring Portugal right now. If the hundreds of native varieties aren’t esoteric enough for you, there is an explosion of experimental winemaking taking place. Duckman is a prime example. 

This producer’s goal is to create wines redolent of the unique character of the Bairrada region, its maritime climate and its indigenous grapes. This means eschewing geographical indications on the label and lowering interventions in the winery.

This Bical is wild-fermented in French oak, unfined, unfiltered and proudly cloudy. Flavours of apple strudel, zinging lemon peel, with stony minerality and herbal notes culminating in the most exquisite mouth-watering acidity.