presented by Megan Gadwah of 3 Keys Distributing
This week’s wines are all from a single vineyard within beautiful Portugal. Esporão was born in the Alentejo, Portugal, out of the unconditional desire to make the finest wines. This is the motivation that remains at the basis of what they do, now extended to other territories – the Douro and Vinho Verde.
Taste and experience why Wine Enthusiast recommends Esporão 2022 Reserva Portuguese Red as Editors’ Choice.
By Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
Bico Amarelo ~ 2024
Represents the diversity of the region and its main grape varieties A light, refreshing wine without added sugar or carbonation, yet rich in aromatic intensity.
Appellation: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Grapes: Loureiro, Alvarinho and Avesso, ABV 11.5%
Tasting notes: Yellow with touches of green. A fresh, light, and lush, with citrus notes and tropical aromas predominating. Fresh and lively with good volume. Long and refreshing finish.
Awards: WE 90 pts (2023), WE Best Buy (2023), Decanter 90 pts (2022)
Producer: Esporão
Esporão Colheita Red
Made exclusively from organically farmed grapes grown at Herdade do Esporão. To achieve greater freshness, the earliest-ripening varieties are selected. Fermentation and ageing in concrete vats (with their porosity and neutral aromatic profile) enhance the wine’s freshness and fruit purity, resulting in a direct, vibrant red.
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Grapes: 25% Aragonez, 15% Syrah, 10% Petit Syrah, 10% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Trincadeira, T5% ouriga Nacional, and 5% others, ABV 14%
Tasting notes: Dee garnet color and expressive nose with predominant notes of red and wild berries. The palate is intense and balanced, with well-integrated tannins leading to a long, persistent finish.
Awards: Decanter 92 pts (2022).
Producer: Esporão
Esporão Reserva White ~ 2022
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, grow, look at our origins, care about nature, and see beyond. We have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, and 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.
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Grapes: Antão Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro, ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Crystal clear, light straw color with golden hues. An intense aroma with citrus and white peach aroma nicely integrated with toasty and spice notes. It has an elegant and fresh taste with a persistent and vibrant finish.
Producer: Esporão
Esporão Reserva Red ~ 2022
Esporão Reserva is the wine that captures the essence of Herdade do Esporão. It was the first wine made by Esporão in 1985. A classic obtained exclusively from our organic grapes. The diversity of Herdade do Esporão, together with the different characteristics of the grape varieties, the soils, the maturity of the vines, and the character of those who make this wine consistently over the years, results in a rich, intense but always harmonious wine.
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, ABV 14%
Tasting notes: The intense Ruby color signals a deep and complex, dominated by red fruits and spicy notes. It has a lively and complete palate with solid body, fine and vibrant tannins. Red fruit and dominant spices. Persistent and balanced finish.
Aging: 12 months in new (20%) and old (80%) American and French oak barrels. After bottling, the wine aged at least 6 months in the bottle.
Producer: Esporão
