Esporão Reserve Red
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
WINE CONCEPT
The first wine made by Esporão in 1985. Made from estate grown grapes, shows the consistency and the rich, ripe fruit characters which are typical of the best Alentejo red wines.
We defied the plastic artist Joana Vasconcelos to illustrate this year’s label.
Prémios
2011, Wine & Spirits – 90 points
2011, Wine Enthusiast – 87 points
2011, Concurso Mundial de Bruxelas – Ouro
Agriculture
Integrated Production (certified)
SOIL TYPE
Clay loam soils with granite and schist mother rock.
AVERAGE AFE OF VINES
15 years
Grape Varieties
Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet SauvignonVINIFICATION / MATURATION
Each variety hand picked and vinified separately, fermented open tanks with robotic plunging and temperature control (22ºC – 25ºC), membrane pressed, malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks following inoculation.
12 months ageing in French (30%) and American (70%) oak barrels. 1 year of bottle ageing prior to market release.
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 Luís Patrão
Colour
Deep, dark red colour.
Aroma
Intense, lifted aroma with ripe red berry fruits and well integrated new oak giving hints of chocolate and vanilla.
Palate
The palate is well balanced and elegant, with layers of ripe fruit and fine supportive tannins. Shows richness and complexity, with a long and persistent finish.