Profile of Herdade do Esporão
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. Today’s modern winery boasts three historical monuments on its estate: a medieval Tower, the Bow, and the Chapel (all declared national heritage monuments) and recently restored by Esporão’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 winery story 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 a political transition in Portugal. The last 35 years have seen major investment, innovation, and the launching of new products; besides their ever-evolving wine portfolio, Esporão, lead the market in olive oil production.
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 historical monuments, the vineyards, and of course, the atmospheric cellars.
Wines produced
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Red Wine Esporão Private Selection
Made with Alicante Bouchet, Aragonês, and Syrah from an average of 30-year-old vines, this top red wine is matured in French oak (30% new 70% used one year old) for 18 months, followed by 12 months in the bottle prior to market release. This is a continuation of the “Garrafeira” concept, representing the best wine from the finest Esporão plots.
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Red Wine Esporão Reserve
Made with Alicante Boushet, Trincadeira, Aragonês and Cabernet Sauvignon, from 20-year-old vines, this is the flagship wine of the company, matured in 60% new American oak and 40% French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by at least 8 months in the bottle.
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4 Castas
The “4 Castas” concept started in 2010 and differs every year, as the winemakers choose 4 grape varieties, which when combined in the blend show the best of that vintage. 2016 used Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Touriga Franca. Aged for 6 months in cement tanks and oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle.
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Vinho de Talha - Old Vines
Aragonez, Castelão, Moreto, and Trincadeira make this “Old Vines” blend, which undergoes natural fermentation in clay pots “talhas” or amphoras (a traditional method dating back to Roman times). Amphora vinification enhances the freshness and tannic expression.
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Esporão Colheita White
100% Antão Vaz from purely organic vines. Partial fermentation in concrete tanks, followed by 4 months on the lees, allowing micro-oxidation which further enhances the flavor of the wine.
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Esporão Reserva White
Esporão Branco D.O.C. Reserva is a rich, full-bodied dry white wine, using Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Arinto grapes from 18-year-old vines. Both stainless steel temperature controlled and cask fermentation in new American and French oak barrels on the lees are carried out.
Winery details
Capartado 31
7200-999 Reguengos de Monsaraz
Portugal
Tel 351 266 509280
Fax 351 266 519753
- Appellation
- Alentejo
- Founded
- 1973, on a beautiful estate dating back to the 13th century
- Area under vine
- 600ha
- Age of vines
- 30 years average, many old vines, Double Guyot
- Oak barrel origin
- American and French
- Winemaker
- David Baverstock
- Owner
- Finagra
- Grape varietals
- Trincadeira, Aragones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bastardo, Touriga Nacional, Syrah. Main whites: Roupeir, Antao Vaz, Arinto, Perrum, Rabo de Ovelha, Semillon.
