Herdade do Esporão Winery, Alantejo

Herdade do Esporo Winery, Alantejo - Portugal Definitely the best known winery from Portugal's Alentejo wine region (east of Lisbon in Reguengos de Monsaraz), the history of "Herdade do Esporão"'s estate goes back 700 years. The boundaries were first established in 1267. The modern winery today boasts three historic monuments on its estate: a medieval Tower, the Bow and the Chapel (all declared national heritage monuments) and recently restored by Esporao's owners, Finagra. The tower is particularly impressive, built in 1457 by Morgado Álvaro Mendes de Vasconcelos, a knight in the household of the Duke of Bragança and governor of the Roman city of Évora.

The story of the winery is more recent, beginning in 1973 when Joaquim Bandeira and Dr. José Alfredo Parreira Holtreman Roquette bought the estate and began their ambitious winemaking venture, right in the middle of political transition in Portugal. The last 25 years have seen major investment, innovation and the launching of new products apart from wine such as high quality olive oils, cheese and vinegars.

Wine Tour Alentejo

Culinary Vacations, Portugal Culinary Vacation in Lisbon & Wine Country
Gourmet food and wine tour of Portugal, combining a city break in Lisbon with various wine tastings and a private cooking class in a medieval village in the glorious Alentejo region. Highlights include the stunning countryside of Alentejo (full of cork trees, perfectly preserved castles and fortresses), the marvellous towns of Evora and Sintra and fantastic food and wine enroute...

Truly one of the most dynamic and forward thinking wineries in Portugal, it is an absolute delight for the wine tourist. They have been leaders in wine tourism, and have organized the infrastructure for guests to enjoy a fascinating visit of the estate, the historic monuments, the vineyards and of course the atmospheric cellars.

Recent Awards:

Touriga Nacional 2001 - TROPHY " Best Portuguese Red Wine" in the International Wine Challenge 2003 - London - GOLD MEDAL

Aragonês 2001 - GOLD MEDAL in the International Wine Challenge 2003 - London

Wines
Red Wine Esporão Private Selection	Made with Alicante Bouchet and Aragonês, 30 yr old vines, this top red wine is matured in new French oak for 18 months, followed by 12 months in bottle prior to market release.
Red Wine Esporão Reserve	Made with Trincadeira, Aragonês and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 20 yr old vines, this is the flagship wine of the company, matured in new American oak barrels for 12 months, followed by 12 months in bottle
White Wine Esporão 2001	Esporão Branco D.O.C. Reserva is a rich, full bodied dry white wine, cask fermented and made with Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Arinto grapes on 15 years old vines
White Sparkling Wine Esporao	Incredible and unusual wine for Portugal, this Traditional method sparkliner is made with Chardonnay, Moreto and Arinto. 4 months bottle fermentation is followed by 1 year on its lees until degorgement takes place.
Herdade do Esporão Licoroso	Fortified wine made with Aragonês, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with brandy spirit to 19° alc. Matured in American oak barrels for 7 years before bottling.
Esporão Late Harvest	Dessert wine made with Diagalves, Perrum and Roupeiro, similar in style to Alsace late harvest wines.

Address:
Herdade do Esporão
Address: CApartado 31, 7200-999 Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal
Tel. 351 266 509280
Fax: 351 266 519753
Web: www.esporao.com
Email: esporao@esporao.com

Winery Details
DOC: Alentejo
Founded: 1973, on a beautiful estate dating back to the 13th century
Owner: Finagra
Winemaker: David Baverstock
Area under Vine: 600ha
Oak: American and French
Brands: Esporao,
Age of Vines: 30 years average, many old vines, Double Guyot
Grape Varietals: main reds: Trincadeira, Aragones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bastardo, Touriga Nacional, Syrah. Main whites: Roupeir, Antao Vaz, Arinto, Perrum, Rabo de Ovelha, Semillon.

More Information on Wine Tours in Alentejo:

If you are interested in this Portuguese Wine Tour, contact us today for more information. This tour can also be adapted for bigger groups with a substantial discount. All of our tours are available year round upon request for your private group of minimum 2 people. If you would like us to customize a luxury gourmet tour for you, contact us with your requirements, and we can send you a free itinerary and quote with no obligations. We organize cooking packages and wine tours from 1 day, to weekends to longer food and wine discoveries throughout Spain, Portugal & Italy.

Email us at: info@cellartours.com

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