Fedellos do Couto Bastarda is a wine that defies categories. Red, yes—but with a texture so fine and delicate it seems to speak the language of whites. Made from the Bastardo grape (also known as Merenzao), grown in the granite and slate soils of Ribeira Sacra, this wine is pure Atlantic freshness, with vibrant minerality and an elegance that doesn’t impose—it whispers.
Only 5,500 bottles have been produced, following an artisanal philosophy: whole-cluster fermentation, native yeasts, and ageing in used French oak barrels for 12 months. The result is a new-generation red, crafted in the old-fashioned way. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, orange peel and white pepper. A fluid, saline palate with bright acidity and fine-boned tannins.
A wine that doesn’t shout, but leaves a mark. Consistently well-rated by Robert Parker, Bastarda is already an open secret among lovers of subtle, elegant wines with Atlantic soul.
Ratings and awards
2023
96 PK
2022
95 PK
2021
96 PK
2020
95+ PK
2019
95 PK
2018
95+ PK
PK: Parker
Wine critics reviewsReviews by Parker
I also tasted the very young and recently bottled 2022 Bastarda, which was produced like all previous vintages, with full clusters and indigenous yeasts, a long maceration and an élevage of eight months in used 500-liter French oak barrels. Bastarda (Merenzao or Trousseau) tends to show more varietal in warmer years like 2022 (or 2020), but it's still pale and delicate. They picked the grapes quite early that year. 5,000 bottles were filled in May 2023.
Colore rubino scarico, aromi di frutta rossa, beva sissetante e poco corposa. Un vino piacevole, ma proprio non capisco perché Parker abbia assegnato un punteggio così alto. Secondo me questo vino non vale il suo prezzo.
by: Sylvain (28/12/2024) - Vintage 2023
1
Souple
Un rouge tout en fluidité, avec des notes de groseilles et de petites touches fumées. Frais et souple, à apprécier sur un poulet rôti
