The Bairrada DOC appellation sits just in from the coast in the center-north of Portugal. Surrounded by rolling hills, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Caramulo Mountains to the east, the climate is temperate (Pato's vineyards are only 15km from the coast), with wet winters and coolish temperatures even in summer. This keeps the grapes light and fresh, with lots of lively fruit.

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Filipa, daughter of Luis Pato (one of the most well-known vintners in Portugal), is a talented and fearless advocate of local varietals, particularly the white bical and especially the red baga. Baga is the primary grape in the region, an expressive, juicy gem of medium-bodied delight. Like some of the other European coastal and mountain (i.e. cool climate) reds, it is extremely versatile.

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The "Post-Quercus" ("after-oak" in Latin) eschews the more common aging vessel for uncoated clay amphorae from Tuscany. These amphorae allow enough oxygenation for the wine to fully mature without imparting any additional flavors, with the result a pure, unadulterated Bairrada baga.

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The 2018 Post-Quercus is light candy-red and aromatic, with lots of brambly berries and cranberry, filled out by twigs and sticks, chewy tannins and a ruby sourness. Good with rich cheeses or green herbs like thyme and sage, buttery squash, potato gratin, Moroccan tagine, and lighter meats like pork and turkey.