Herdade do Esporão Private Selection Branco 2016
Herdade do Esporão ("The Esporão Homestead") with nearly 700 hectares of organic vineyards and olive groves, proudly stands as the largest organic estate in Portugal. Located in the Alentejo’s, Reguengos Sub-Region, Herdade do Esporão produces full-bodied yet elegant wines that are rounded and seductive, due to the combination of poor, stony soils, and a dramatic climate. It is here, that Alentejo wines are most balanced, whilst powerful, appealing, lively and with good aging potential.
Herdade do Esporão boasts a rich history, with its boundaries that have remained unchanged since the year 1267. The winery is often represented by the iconic white tower, built in the 1400's which stands a symbol of the historical shift from Mid-evil to Modern times in Portugal. Today, Herdade do Esporão remains under the ownership of the Roquette family. Together, both family and estate represent a winery that is founded on sustainability and organic agricultural practices. These practices reflect a commitment to making the finest products that nature provides in a responsible and inspiring way.
Notes of white pulp fruits and some fresh grapefruit, combined with discreet touches of toasted oak and spices like clove and white pepper. Rich, elegant and intense. Long, deep and persistent finish.
The grapes were delivered to the winery in the morning, when temperatures are lower, and were placed in the pneumatic press. Long pressing cycles at low pressure enabled careful extraction for a rich must. Decanting was shorter than usual, which helped maintain the complexity of the centre. Fermentation took place in new French oak barrels (550 litres) in a temperature controlled cellar (18ºC).
On the lees with batonnage to help combine the oak and wine, thereby increasing the creamy texture and depth. After bottling, the wine aged 6 months in the bottle, ensuring controlled maturation and giving the wine the complexity that characterizes it.
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Sémillon |
| Appellation | Alentejo |
| Acid | 6.5 g/L |
| PH | 3.25 |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | PORTUGAL |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
A decadent but focused white, with a firm spine of acidity cutting through the honey-laced spiced peach, baked pineapple and apple filling flavors. Clove, mineral and herb details gain traction into the smoky finish. Drink now through 2028. - Wine Spectator, 91 pts
Spring was cooler and wetter than previous years – ideal weather conditions for fungal diseases to affect the vines, which meant greater care in the vineyard to avoid problems with mildew. The lower temperatures led to a longer period of vegetative growth and, despite the hotter weather from July onwards, the harvest began 10 days later than usual. The warmer conditions continued throughout the vintage, grape quality was excellent and, despite the heat, sugar levels remained normal, with slightly lower acidity.
SOIL TYPE: Predominantly clay, deep and well drained, ideal for balanced production, aromatic development and to preserve freshness.
VINEYARD AGE: 20 years old
