Wine Concept

Classic wine style made from estate grown grapes that show the consistency and the rich, ripe character which is typical of the best Alentejo wines.

We have invited the architect and photographer Duarte Belo to illustrate this year’s label.

Agriculture

Spring had lower temperatures and higher humidity than in previous years – ideal climatic conditions for fungal diseases in the vines, implying increased care to avoid mildew attacks. The cooler temperatures at this time of year provided a longer period of vegetative growth and, despite the heat felt since July, the beginning of the harvest took place about 10 days later than usual. The hot weather continued throughout the harvest, fruit condition was excellent. Despite the heat, sugar levels were normal and acidities a little lower than normal.

SOIL TYPES
Granite/schist, loam-clay structure

VINES’ AGE
18 years old

Grape Varieties

Antão Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro

Vinification / Maturation

Destemming, cold settling, skin maceration, pressing, must decantation, fermentation with temperature control in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak barrels on fine lees.

In stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak barrels for 6 months.

More Information

The first wine to be produced by Esporão in 1985. A classic wine made exclusively with grapes from Herdade do Esporão, it offers the consistency and personality typical of the unique terroir from whence it comes.

The viticulture employed involves integrated production methods which are based on rationalising natural resources and the use of natural regulation, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture that provides better-quality produce.

The grapes for this wine are hand-picked. For the red, they are vinified in small, temperature-controlled vats and, after being pressed, the wines age in American and French oak for 12 months. In the case of the white, the grapes are picked in the early, cooler hours of the morning, vinified separately and partially aged for 6 months on the lees in French and American oak barrels.

This is a wine for special occasions that combines the universal culture of wine and art, via the reproduction of original works of art on its labels.

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Sandra Alves

Colour

Crystalline, straw-like with green flecks.

Aroma

Yellow fruit notes, grapefruit and lemon, spices, slightly toasted, some minerality that highlights aromatic freshness.

Palate

Creamy with structure and volume. Balanced, packed with fruit with a long and elegant finish.

Formats

750 ml

Bottling

May 2017

Alcohol/Volume

13.5 %

Total Acidity

6 g/l

pH

3.15

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

1.8 g/l