Esporão Reserva Red 2018
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008
Wine Concept
The first wine made by Esporão in 1985. Obtained from grapes grown at Herdade do Esporão, it shows the consistency and rich character typical of the best Alentejo wines. Label illustrated by Anne Geene.
Reviews
Robert Parker
90 Pts | 2017 | 2010 | 2007
91 Pts | 2016 | 2009
92 Pts | 2011
Wine Enthusiast
91 pts | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
92 pts | 2014 | 2013 | 2010 | 2006
93 pts | 2011
Wine Spectator
90 pts | 2014
Agriculture
After a dry and cold winter, an early rainy spring followed restoring soil moisture levels suitable for the beginning of the vegetative cycle. The fact that spring temperatures and even mid-summer temperatures were milder than in previous years led to a delay of the cycle but allowed for good plant development. In early August, a heat wave of five consecutive days, with temperatures exceeding 43 degrees and accompanied by strong gusts of wind, caused severe damage in varieties more sensitive to this type of conditions, leading to production losses. However, in most of our vineyards, where grape varieties are better adapted to these events, maturation occurred slowly and regularly thus preserving the freshness and aromatic intensity of white wines and the texture, concentration and complexity of red wines.
SOIL TYPE
Granite/schist origin with clay/loam structure.
VINEYARD AGE
18 years
Grape Varieties
Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga FrancaVinification / Maturation
Each variety harvested separately, destemmed, crushed, temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats, concrete tanks and small marble basins, pressed, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
12 months in American (60%) and French (40%) oak barrels. After bottling, the wine aged 8 months in the bottle.
More Information
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, to grow, to look at our origins, to care about nature and see beyond. We have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, 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.
Wine Makers
David Baverstock and Sandra Alves
Colour
Intense Ruby.
Aroma
Notes of black fruit jam with spices (black pepper, cloves) combined with notes of coffee berries and cigars.
Palate
Complex with notes of spices and dark chocolate. Persistent finish.