Wine Concept

This was the first wine produced by Esporão in 1985. 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 defied the plastic artist Alberto Carneiro to illustrate this year’s label.

Awards

2014, Wines of Portugal Challenge – Premium Gold

Agriculture

Integrated Production (certified)

The 2013 viticultural year was characterized by a cool and wet spring, followed by a dry summer with large diurnal temperatures, making for good maturation conditions and sound healthy grapes.

SOIL TYPE
Granite and schist origin with clay loam soil.

AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
18 years

Grape Varieties

Antão Vaz, Arinto, Semillon, Roupeiro

Vinification / Maturation

Destemming, must chilling, skin contact, membrane pressing, 24 hour cold settling, temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and in new french and american oak barrels.

6 months ageing on fine lees.

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

Clear, straw with green tinges.

Aroma

Rich, intense, notes of peach and grapefruit, well integrated toasty notes.

Palate

Creamy and complex, well balanced, deeply fruity with minerality and a fresh and persistent finish.

Formats

750 ml

Bottling

March 2014

Alcohol/Volume

14 %

Total Acidity

7 g/l

pH

3.2

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

2.1 g/l