Esporão Private Selection Red
2019 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007
Wine Concept
Private Selection is our concept of the classic Alentejo Garrafeira: intense, complex and rich aromatics without excesses and a well balanced palate with structure for long term ageing.
We defied the plastic artist Rui Sanches to illustrate this year’s label.
Awards
2014, Wine Enthusiast – 92 pontos
2012, Concour Mondial Bruxelles – Gold
2011, Divinus – 17 pontos
2011, Revista de vinhos – 18 pontos
2011, Essência do Vinho – 18,5 pontos
Agriculture
Integrated Production (certified)
Temperatures and rainfall were normal and within the average values for the last 10 years. The summer, although very dry, had fairly low average temperatures which resulted in ideal grape maturation conditions.
SOIL TYPE
Granite/schist rock with clay/loam soil.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
20 years
Grape Varieties
Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, SyrahVinification / Maturation
Separate harvest for each variety, bunch selection on sorting table, destemming, crushing, fermentation in small open fermenters with foot treading and temperature control (22ºC to 25ºC), pressing in a basket press, controlled malolactic fermentation in new french oak barrels.
Matured in french oak barrels for 12 months, followed by 18 months in bottle before market release.
More Information
Private Selection Red:
Over time, we have been expanding the knowledge about our land in Alentejo. We have a better understanding of its potential and make the most of the uniqueness of the vineyards to produce fine wines, at nature’s pace.
That knowledge takes shape in Private Selection, through a combination of select parcels from the different territories, along with separate vinification and ageing, according to each variety’s profile. This is a full-bodied wine, with texture, intensity, and vitality, that reflects the diversity and richness of Esporão’s territories in Alentejo and, in exceptional years, results in Torre do Esporão.
Private Selection White:
Esporão Private Selection white was launched in 2001 under the name “Garrafeira”. The desire to make a distinctive white wine that would challenge the classic profile of the great wines of the Alentejo, led winemaker David Baverstock to bring the Sémillon grape variety from Australia to our Herdade dos Perdigões estate. This French origin grape variety is iconic in the Barrosa Valley region of Australia, where it grows in a climate similar to that of the Alentejo.
Planted in granitic soils, clayey and deep, the Palmeiras vineyard has adapted well to our soils and the Alentejo heat. It is from this vineyard that the Private Selection White was born.
Every year we invite a new artist to illustrate our labels, and every piece of artwork has its own individual story to tell.
Wine Makers
David Baverstock and Luís Patrão
Colour
Intense, deep red.
Aroma
Dark berry fruits with nicely integrated light toasty notes.
Palate
Seductive texture, firm tannins, solid and elegant, finishing long and persistent.