Private Selection Red 2007
Wine Concept
Private Selection is our concept of the classic Alentejo Garrafeira: intense, complex and rich aromatics without excesses and a well balanced palate with structure for long term ageing.
This year, we’ve challenged Joana Vasconcelos to illustrate the label.
Awards
2011, Wine Enthusiast – 93 points
2011, Wine & Spirits – 91 points
2010, International Wine Challenge – Gold
Agriculture
Integrated Production (certified)
2007 is one of the best years of the decade, marked by a very cool spring, which allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and gradually. The harvest took place in mild weather, which helped the resulting aromas and flavours develop more fully.
SOIL TYPE
Granite/schist rock with clay/loam soil.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
20 years old
Grape Varieties
Alicante Bouschet, AragonezVinification / Maturation
Separate harvest for each variety, bunch selection on sorting table, destemming, crushing, fermentation in small open fermenters with foot treading and temperature control (22ºC to 25ºC), pressing in a basket press, controlled malolatic fermentation in new french oak barrels.
Matured in french oak barrels for 18 months, followed by 18 months in bottle before market realease.
More Information
Esporão Private Selection Red is an extension of Esporão Garrafeira Red, which was first launched in 1987. Initially, we simply chose the best barrels of Esporão Reserva; however, over time, we began to understand our vineyards better, naturally developing a selection of the finest plots at the Herdade. At the end of the 1990s, we built a winery exclusively for this wine, which became the focus of our attention. In 2001, Esporão Private Selection White was produced, which was designed to challenge the classic profile of great wines from the Alentejo.
Its solid structure, personality and complexity are the result of climactic conditions, the selection of the finest grapes from our terroir and our winemakers’ creativity. These are exclusive wines, made in small quantities for intense and intimate moments.
Every year we invite an artist to illustrate its labels, thus combining the Portuguese culture of winemaking with art.
Wine Makers
David Baverstock and Luís Patrão
Colour
Deep, dark, almost opaque.
Aroma
It shows aromas of red wild berries, combined wih toast and Smokey oak spice and some balsamic notes.
Palate
It shows dense fruit, silky texture and robust tannins, fused into a very long and persistent finish.