2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
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 Rui Sanches to illustrate this year’s label.
2011, Essência do Vinho – 17 points
2012, Concour Mondial Bruxelles – 82,03 points
2012, Revista de Vinhos – 16 points
2012, Wine spectator – 89 points
Integrated Production (certified)
An extremely dry year, with rainfall concentrated between December and February. The period from March to August was hotter than average, resulting in an early vintage. With these higher temperatures during the growing season, most grapes were picked in very ripe conditions resulting in rich wines with body and depth.
SOIL TYPE
Clay loam soils with granite and schist mother rock.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
15 years
Each variety hand picked and vinified separately, fermented in 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.
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.
David Baverstock and Luís Patrão
Clear, deep red.
Intense spicy aroma of ripe red berry fruits with soft, new oak integration.
Rich and full bodied, well balanced with robust tannins, good bottle ageing potential.