Aromas are big, smoky, and spicy with blackberry, dark chocolate, and a hint of licorice. The palate has a nice lift and acidity, with flavors that match the aromas, including the pepper and blackberry. Medium plus in body with a persistent finish. The wine spends a year in American and French oak, with a further four months in bottle.

WINE INFORMATION

Alentejo is one of eleven designated wine regions (Vinho Regional) in Portugal. Vinho Regional is similar to the French Vin de Pays designation. Located in the southern half of Portugal, Alentejo covers about a third of the country and 10% of the region is under vine while much of the rest is dedicated to grains and olives. The area's extreme climate has challenged winemakers for centuries; summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and lack of rain is a chronic problem. However, Alentejo's abundant sunshine is an asset, especially now that irrigation is permitted. The region's soils are mainly granite and schist, with a few pockets of clay and limestone. In addition to its wines, the region is noted for its vast cork production. Herdade do Esporão has extraordinary conditions for agriculture. With approximately 700 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and the other crops farmed organically with integrated production. They grow around 40 grape varieties, 4 types of olives, orchards and herb gardens.

Grapes for this wine come from the estate’s certified organic vineyards. Planted on granite and schist with clay and loam structure soils, the vines average 18 years of age. Each variety is harvested separately, destemmed, crushed, and fermentation in a combination of stainless steel vats, concrete tanks, and small marble basins. The final blend is aged for 12 months in American (60%) and French (40%) oak barrels. After bottling, the wine aged an additional 8 months in the bottle.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Duck, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Mexican, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce