Alentejo / Herdade do Esporão

Monte Velho Red 2017

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Red White Rose

Wine Concept

With a distinctly Alentejo profile, this wine aims to transmit the uniqueness of the Alentejo and the quality of Herdade do Esporão wines to more people. Balanced and gastronomic, it is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions and consumers.

Awards

See all the awards conquered by Monte Velho here.

Agriculture

Another drier than average winter, with low rainfall, was followed by an abnormally hot spring which brought forward the budburst. The hot, dry weather continued throughout spring and into summer, and allowed for good ripening conditions and healthy fruit, although vineyard irrigation was essential.

The hot weather in the early part of summer brought the vintage forward and picking started during the first week of august. The hot, dry weather continued throughout august and september, although there was no extreme heat, allowing for fully matured fruit, and relatively high alcohols. Yields in the vineyard were down generally by up to 20% and juice extraction in the winery was lower than normal. Whites tend to be fuller bodied than in recent years and reds more rich and concentrated.

SOIL TYPE
Schist/granite origin with clay loam soils.

AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
17 years old

Grape Varieties

Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira

Vinification / Maturation

Destemming, crushing, primary fermentation in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks, pressing, mamlolatic fermentation.

More Information

Launched for the first time in 1992, its name comes from the monte located next to the Caridade reservoir, at Herdade do Esporão. At the time, the wine boasted the same origin and philosophy as Esporão Reserva but was created to reach more people and make daily wine consumption an experience.

Produced according to the region’s winegrowing tradition, the variety of grapes and vinification techniques demonstrate the character of the region from whence it comes: rich aromas, a smooth palate and an excellent gastronomic bent.

Made with grapes from throughout the region, it is the result of partnerships lasting over 15 years with suppliers from the different sub-regions, who use the same integrated production system as Esporão. These sustainable practices, which preclude the use of pesticides and herbicides, are crucial to soil quality and fertility, which provide the vineyard with natural protection that influences the quality of the wines.

Ever faithful to its roots, Monte Velho is the Alentejo in a glass, coming to represent a benchmark of the region in Portugal and the world over the years.

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Sandra Alves

Colour

Clear, ruby.

Aroma

Red berry fruits and wild blue berries, subtle spicy notes.

Palate

Fresh, intense, solid structure, good texture.

Sizes

375 ml   ·   750 ml   ·   1,5 l   ·   3 l   ·   5 l

Bottling

January 2018

Alcohol/Volume

14 %

Total Acidity

6 g/l

pH

3.65

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

1.9 g/l