Winemaker Notes
A classic Alentejo white, crafted exclusively from Herdade Do Esporão's own organically farmed grapes. The diversity of Herdade do Esporão, its grape varieties, soils, vineyard maturity, and the people who have consistently made this wine over the years, come together in a wine that is rich, intense, yet always harmonious.
Straw in color, deep and spicy, with white-fleshed fruit, citrus, and a touch of orange blossom. Broad and creamy, with balanced acidity and a long, intense finish.
The label is illustrated by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
Blend: 40% Antão Vaz, 30% Arinto, 30% Roupeiro
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A bright and balanced white, with underlying saltiness and well-cut acidity cutting a swathe through the lightly plump range of white peach and golden apple fruit, plus accents of chamomile, vanilla, lemon wax and quinine. Lingering finish. Arinto and Antão Vaz. Drink now through 2031.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Responsible for a majority of Portugal’s fine wine production—and over half of the world’s cork production—Alentejo represents a major force in Portugal’s wine industry. This southern Portugese region is characterized by stretches of rolling plains and vineyards dotted with majestic cork oaks. Access to land enables the farmers of Alentejo to produce wines in great economies of scale, without compromising quality, compared to those regions to the north. The region of Alentejo indeed covers a third of the country.
Its classified (DOP) wines must come from one of eight subregions, where elevations are a bit higher, air cooler and less fertile soils are perfect for vines. The optimal regions are Portalegre, Borba, Redondo, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Granja-Amareleja, Vidigueira, Evora and Moura. Alentejo is not without the conveniences of modern winemaking as well. Irrigation supplements low rainfall and temperature control in the winery assures high quality wines.
The potential of the area has attracted many producers and its wine production continues to grow. Alentejo’s charming, fruit-forward wines have naturally led to local and global popularity.
White wines tend to be blends of Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Arinto. However, in growing proportions, the white grapes Verdelho, Alvarinho and Viognier have been enjoying success. But red varieties actually exceed whites in Alentejo. Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Castelão grapes blend well together and are responsible for most of the Alentejo reds.