Wine Concept

This wine was created in 2001 with the intent to challenge the classic profile of great Alentejo wines. The maturity of the vineyard, the underestimated Semillon grape variety and the careful selection of barrel suppliers, have enabled us to build this wine’s solid, rich and complex character. Photograph on the label by Duarte Belo.

Agriculture

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 ballanced production, aromatic development and to preserve freshness.

VINEYARD AGE
20 years old

Grape Varieties

Semillon

Vinification / Maturation

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 characterises it.

More Information

Private Selection Red:

Over time, we have been expanding the knowledge about our land in Alentejo. We have a better understanding of its potential and make the most of the uniqueness of the vineyards to produce fine wines, at nature’s pace.

That knowledge takes shape in Private Selection, through a combination of select parcels from the different territories, along with separate vinification and ageing, according to each variety’s profile. This is a full-bodied wine, with texture, intensity, and vitality, that reflects the diversity and richness of Esporão’s territories in Alentejo and, in exceptional years, results in Torre do Esporão.

Private Selection White:

Esporão Private Selection white was launched in 2001 under the name “Garrafeira”. The desire to make a distinctive white wine that would challenge the classic profile of the great wines of the Alentejo, led winemaker David Baverstock to bring the Sémillon grape variety from Australia to our Herdade dos Perdigões estate. This French origin grape variety is iconic in the Barrosa Valley region of Australia, where it grows in a climate similar to that of the Alentejo.

Planted in granitic soils, clayey and deep, the Palmeiras vineyard has adapted well to our soils and the Alentejo heat. It is from this vineyard that the Private Selection White was born.

Every year we invite a new artist to illustrate our labels, and every piece of artwork has its own individual story to tell.

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Sandra Alves

Colour

Clear, straw colour.

Aroma

Notes of white pulp fruits and some fresh grapefruit, combined with discreet touches of toasted oak and spices like clove and white pepper.

Palate

Rich, elegant and intense. Long, deep and persistent finish.

Sizes

750 ml

Bottling

August 2017

Alcohol/Volume

13.5 %

Total Acidity

6.5 g/l

pH

3.25

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

2.2 g/l