Tasting notes
Intensely fruity palate, elegant and balanced with a long finish. Ideal as an aperitif and with canapes and fish.
Why we recommend this wine
We first tasted the wines from Herdade do Esporã during a visit to Portugal (see our notes here) and were impressed. This more commercial white is along the lines of a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling but different and with less than 2gm/litre of sugar! The wine is produced according to the region’s winegrowing tradition, the variety of grapes (Antão Vaz, Perrum, Roupeiro) and vinification techniques demonstrate the character of Alentejo. The grapes are bought in from throughout the region from long-standing suppliers who use the same integrated production system as Esporão. These sustainable practices preclude the use of pesticides and herbicides.
The wine estate
Definitely the best known winery in Portugal's Alentejo wine region (east of Lisbon) where farming has taken place since the 13th century. The modern winery today boasts three national heritage monuments: a medieval Tower, the Bow and the Chapel. The story of the winery is more recent, beginning in 1973 when the current owners bought the estate and began their ambitious winemaking venture, supplemented by high quality olive oils, cheese and vinegars. Unsurprisingly for a winery headed up by an Aussie winemaker, David Baverstock, Esporão’s wines are made in a style that is new world rather than old. The winery is modern, with lots of stainless steel and techniques such as microoxygenation.
esporao.com
Food and wine
This white is simple and fruity with more than a dash of lemon so pair it with uncomplicated dishes which are enhanced by lemon. Refer also to our food and wine pairing guide, click here.
Did you know?
Portugal has about a third of the world’s cork oak (Quercus suber) forests and Alentejo is often referred to as Portugal’s Cork Country.