Wine Concept

Wines only produced in exceptional years from unique plots at Herdade do Esporão, expressing the potential and original character of the grape variety and soil.

Agriculture

2013 had a rainy spring, followed by a dry summer with high temperatures during the day, offset by chilly evenings, allowing consistently ideal ripening of grapes.

The Canto do Zé Cruz vineyard was planted in 1980, in sandy loam soil with some bedrock stones (granite), which, after 20 cm, suddenly changes to clay.

Traditionally, this is the last vineyard we harvest with the Aragonez grape. Due to its age, phenolic ripeness is slower and more even, producing more aromatic, vibrant and authentic wines.

SOIL TYPE
Sandy loam soil with some bedrock stones (granite), which, after 20 cm, suddenly changes to clay

AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
33 years

Grape Varieties

Aragonez

Vinification / Maturation

Fermentation with controlled temperatures (25 ºC) in roto-fermenters.

12 months in 500-litre, new French oak barrels, followed by 18 months in the 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.

Vineyard

Canto do Zé Cruz, T015B

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Luís Patrão

Colour

Bright concentrated colour.

Aroma

Blackcurrant and dry vegetal notes that underline the wine’s freshness and seriousness.

Palate

Elegant and intense, good depth, silky with well-integrated tannins and spiciness.

Sizes

750 ml

Bottling

July 2015

Alcohol/Volume

14 %

Total Acidity

6.8 g/l

pH

3.55

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

4.1 g/l