Growing Conditions

Vineyard with certified organic farming.

The 2021 agricultural year was a rainy year. During the vegetative rest period (Autumn – Winter) precipitation values were higher than the average of the last 22 years, with temperatures remaining mild. These precipitation values led to the fact that, at the beginning of the vegetative cycle (Spring), practically all the soils had their water reserves completely reestablished. The budburst occurred earlier, and the higher temperatures observed during the Spring accelerated the vegetative development until flowering. In Summer, milder temperatures contributed to a regular development of the vegetative cycle, allowing maturation to take pace in a regular and balanced manner.

- SOIL GEOLOGY: Granite/schist base, with loam/clay structure

- VINEYARD AGE: 16 to 26 years

Bottling

From May 2022

Winemaking

Esporão Reserva was the first wine produced by Esporão, in 1985. It was born from our desire to produce the best wines in Alentejo. Over the years, it has been a wine that has led us to innovate, to grow, to look at our origins, to care about nature and see beyond. We have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, more recently we have converted all our vineyards to organic farming, built new wineries and traveled to other markets, taking Alentejo and Portugal to the world.

Art accompanies Esporão Reserva from the first moment. Every year we invite a new artist to illustrate our labels and each work tells a story that is completed within.

Destemming, cold settling, skin maceration, pressing, must decantation, temperature-controlled fermentation 75% of the batch in stainless steel tanks and 25% in new American and French oak barrels.

Aging

Six months in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak barrels, with ageing on fine lees.

Nose

Citrus notes with a predominance of tangerine and lemon. Mint notes complemented with white pepper and nutmeg.

Palate

Elegant and harmonious with balanced fruit and spices presence. Intense and persistent finish.

Appearance

Crystal clear, light straw color with green hues.