Wine Concept

Our single-varietal wines are unique. Produced by Esporão since the 1990s, they reflect the identity of the different varieties in the vineyards where they were created.  Aragonez is a very aromatically elegant grape variety, known for producing concentrated wines with a good capacity for ageing. Our single-varietal wine originates from one of the first vineyards planted at Herdade do Esporão in 1980 – the Canto do Zé Cruz vineyard.

Awards

Wine Enthusiast

93 pts | 2014

92 pts | 2013

Robert Parker

91 pts | 2014

90 pts | 2013

 

Agriculture

Spring was cooler and wetter than previous year. 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
Sandy loam soil with some bedrock stones (granite).

AVERAGE VINEYARDS AGE
Planted in 1980.

Grape Varieties

Aragonez

Vinification / Maturation

In adega dos lagares, fermented in marble Lagares, foot-trodden. Then transferred to concrete tanks where it finishes the fermentation with controlled temperatures.

In French (5000 liters) oak barrels for one year, followed by two years in bottle.

More Information

Wine from  “Canto do Zé Cruz” vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in Herdade do Esporão. Produces grapes with intense colour and concentrated aromas. Early ripener with good yields producing wine with balanced alcohol and acidity and with excellent ageing potential.

Wine Makers

David Baverstock & Sandra Alves

Colour

Deep garnet.

Aroma

Intense, with plum fruit aroma, coffee and dark chocolate notes.

Palate

Precise and balanced. With elegant structure that reflect the identity of the grape in its origin.

Sizes

750 ml

Bottling

November 2018

Alcohol/Volume

14 %

Total Acidity

6.45 g/l

pH

3.6

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

2.1 g/l