Esporao Reserva Red - A Lovely Blend • Reverse Wine Snob®

A fantastic wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal, the Esporao Reserva Red.

40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Trincadeira and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyards in Alentejo, Portugal. The wine was aged for 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak barrels and then another 8 months in bottle before release. It has residual sugar of just 2.4 g/L.

Sample submitted for review. The Esporao Reserva Red has an SRP of $25 and is available for as low as $16. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. Imported by Aidil Wines & Liquors.

From the bottle:

Herdade do Esporao’s boundaries remain unchanged for more than 700 years. To produce better wines, we farm under the principles of integrated production. Original label artwork by Pedro A.H. Paixao.

14.5% Alcohol

Perhaps thanks to the Port production there, it seems that when we hear of wines from Portugal it is often those of the Douro Valley in the northern part of the country. Alentejo, in eastern Portugal, also produces some amazing wines and in particular red wine blends using a combination of indigenous and international varieties. It’s definitely a region whose wines you should explore.

The 2014 Esporao Reserva Red opens with a very pleasant aroma of black cherry, spice, vanilla and hints of chocolate and mint. Taking a sip reveals a balanced, full-bodied wine full of dark berry fruit infused with beautiful spice notes. Smooth, firm tannins plus more vanilla, chocolate and plenty of leather lead into the long, dry finish which also features lots of lingering oaky spice and even a bit of minerality. Wow, this is a lovely blend!

Ready to buy the Esporao Reserva Red? Check your local retailers.