The Esporão Reserve is the wine that best represents the spirit of Herdade do Esporão. It was the first wine made by Esporão, with the 1985 harvest. It comes exclusively from our organically grown grapes. The diversity of Herdade do Esporão, together with the different characteristics of the grape varieties, soils, vineyards, and the people who consistently make this wine over the years, results in a rich, intense, yet always harmonious wine. Label illustrated by Eduardo Aires.

Each grape variety is harvested separately, seeking its optimal moment of ripeness. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and crushed, followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel, concrete vats, or marble lagares. After pressing, malolactic fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats.

Ageing: 12 months in American and French oak barrels, new (20%) and used (80%). After bottling, the wine rests for at least 6 more months in the bottle.

Producer: Herdade do Esporão
Region: Alentejo, Portugal
Style: Red Wine
Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 14%
Serving Temperature: 16–18ºC

Colour: Intense ruby
Aroma: Deep and complex, dominated by red fruits and spicy notes
Palate: Lively and complete. Solid body, fine and vibrant tannins. Red fruit and spices dominate. Persistent and balanced finish

Rewards:

Robert Parker

90 pts | 2017 | 2010 | 2007

91 pts | 2016 | 2009

92 pts | 2011

Wine Enthusiast

93 pts | 2021 (editor’s choice) | 2019 | 2011

92 pts | 2020 | 2014 | 2013 | 2010 | 2006

91 pts | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

Wine Spectator

90 pts | 2014

The post Esporão Organic Reserve 2022 75cl first appeared on Delícias.

Over time, we have deepened our understanding of our territories in Alentejo. We better understand their potential and take advantage of the uniqueness of our vineyards to produce the finest wines, in harmony with nature.

This knowledge is embodied in the Private Selection Red, which combines the intensity of Herdade do Esporão, the texture of Herdade dos Perdigões, and the vitality of the altitude of Lavradores in Portalegre. Each vineyard is vinified and aged separately, according to the profile of each grape variety, resulting in a complete wine with texture, intensity, and vitality, reflecting the diversity and richness of Esporão’s territories in Alentejo, which in exceptional years gives rise to Torre do Esporão.

Winemaking: Each plot was vinified and aged separately according to the potential and profile of each grape variety and its origin. Aragonez began alcoholic fermentation in marble lagares with foot treading and finished in concrete vats where malolactic fermentation also took place. Aged in 5000L French oak vats. Touriga Franca fermented in marble lagares with foot treading and aged in 500L French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation also occurred, followed by aging. Both parcels of Alicante Bouschet fermented separately in concrete vats, underwent malolactic fermentation in new 500L French oak barrels, and remained there for aging. 18 months in barrels/vats followed by 2 years in bottle.

Producer: Herdade do Esporão
Region: Alentejo, Portugal
Style: Red Wine
Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Touriga Franca
Bottle Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 14.5%
Serving Temperature: 16–18ºC

The post Esporão Private Selection 2016 75cl first appeared on Delícias.

The first Monte Velho harvest dates back to 1991 and was first released to the market in 1992, priced at 200 escudos at the time. Inspired by the flagship Esporão Reserve, Monte Velho revolutionised everyday wine consumption by bringing a quality wine to the table at an affordable price.

Over the past 30 years, the brand’s journey has undergone significant evolution. In 2020, 7.4 million bottles of Monte Velho were sold in more than 50 countries. Since 2013, this Alentejo regional wine has been produced entirely under integrated production practices.

The history of Monte Velho is closely tied to the territory from which it originates, making it a distinctly Alentejo wine due to its diverse grape varieties and unique profile.

Winemaking: Mechanical harvesting, destemming and crushing, alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature, pressing, and malolactic fermentation.
Minimum ageing of 5 months in stainless steel.

Producer: Herdade do Esporão
Region: Alentejo, Portugal
Style: Red Wine
Grapes: Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, and others
Bottle Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 13.5%
Serving Temperature: 16–18ºC

Colour: Clear appearance, ruby colour
Aroma: Exuberant, with notes of fresh red fruit and wild berries
Palate: Fresh and light, with an elegant structure and a balanced finish

The post Esporão Monte Velho 2023 75cl first appeared on Delícias.