One of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe, from the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country's most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco's greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese, but at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.

Aliança has been part of Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal since 2007 and all wines are now being brought under the Bacalhôa name.

The Bairrada wine region, located in central Portugal between the Atlantic Ocean and the Dão mountains, is one of the country’s most distinctive and historic wine areas. Its climate is strongly influenced by the nearby Atlantic, bringing cool breezes, high humidity and abundant rainfall. These conditions create a long growing season that preserves acidity and freshness in the wines, though vintners must also contend with the challenges of unpredictable weather.

Soils in Bairrada are varied, but limestone-clay (the classic “barro” that gives the region its name) predominates, along with sandy and alluvial deposits in some areas. These soils retain water yet provide good drainage, offering excellent conditions for both red and white grapes.

The signature grape of Bairrada is Baga, a thick-skinned, late-ripening variety that produces structured, tannic reds with vibrant acidity and remarkable ageing potential. Modern winemakers are crafting more approachable styles, balancing Baga’s power with elegance. Other red varieties include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Syrah. White wines are often made from Bical, Maria Gomes (Fernão Pires) and Arinto, yielding fresh, aromatic expressions.

Bairrada wines are known for their lively acidity, firm structure, and flavours of red berries, black cherry, spice and earthy notes, while whites deliver citrus, floral and mineral-driven profiles. The region is also celebrated for its traditional sparkling wines, prized for their crispness and finesse.

Baga is a red grape variety native to Portugal, most famously associated with the Bairrada region in the country’s central coastal zone. Thought to have been cultivated there for centuries, it thrives in the clay-limestone soils of the area and plays a defining role in the character of Bairrada wines. Viticulturally, Baga is a late-ripening, high-yielding grape with naturally thick skins. This combination makes it both robust and challenging to grow, as it requires long, warm seasons to achieve full ripeness, yet is susceptible to rot in wetter harvest conditions.

Outside Portugal, Baga plantings are relatively limited, though it can be found in small quantities in Dão, Douro, and Ribatejo, and has attracted experimental plantings in Brazil. Despite this, its global footprint remains modest, with its identity firmly rooted in Portugal.

The grape is known for producing deeply coloured, tannic wines with high acidity, giving them considerable ageing potential. Traditional styles from Bairrada are firm, structured, and austere in youth, developing complex aromas of dried fruit, tobacco, and earthy spice with age. Modern interpretations, however, often aim for earlier approachability, with softer tannins and vibrant notes of red cherry, blackberry, and floral hints. Baga is also used in sparkling wine production, where its acidity brings freshness and finesse.

Touriga Nacional is widely regarded as Portugal’s finest red grape variety, known for its deep colour, intense aromatics, and powerful structure. Indigenous to the Dão region, it is now most famously associated with the Douro Valley, where it plays a leading role in both Port and dry red wine production. The variety has also found success in other regions, including Alentejo, Bairrada, and even internationally in countries like South Africa and Australia.

Aromatically, Touriga Nacional offers a rich bouquet of dark fruits such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, alongside floral notes of violet and rose. It often shows spicy, herbal undertones and, with age, can develop complex hints of liquorice, leather, and cedar. On the palate, it delivers bold tannins, vibrant acidity, and excellent ageing potential.

Despite its high quality, Touriga Nacional poses several viticultural challenges. It is naturally low yielding and has small, thick-skinned berries, which contribute to its concentration but can reduce productivity. The vine is also vigorous and requires careful canopy management to ensure balanced fruit ripening and optimal exposure.

Thanks to its resilience, depth, and distinctive character, Touriga Nacional remains a cornerstone of Portuguese winemaking and a benchmark for quality in both blended and varietal wines.

Tinta Roriz, known as Tempranillo in Spain, is a key red grape variety in Portugal, particularly in the Douro Valley and the Dão region. It plays a vital role in both Port wine and dry red blends, often alongside Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. In Portugal, Tinta Roriz contributes structure, body, and ripeness, making it a versatile and valuable component in the country’s winemaking.

Aromatically, Tinta Roriz is known for its bold, ripe fruit character, typically showing notes of red cherry, plum, and blackberry, often layered with spice, tobacco, and earthy undertones. It brings good tannic structure and depth to blends, with moderate to high alcohol and balanced acidity, depending on site and ripeness.

Viticulturally, Tinta Roriz ripens early and is generally easy to cultivate, which contributes to its widespread planting. However, it is susceptible to disease, particularly powdery mildew, and can struggle in excessively hot or dry conditions, where acidity may drop and flavours can become jammy. Careful site selection and canopy management are important to maintain balance and freshness.

Tinta Roriz is a cornerstone of many high-quality Portuguese wines, offering structure and richness, and continues to be one of the most important bridge varieties between Iberian viticultural traditions.