A fantastic wine from the Alentejo region of Portugal, we review the Esporao Reserva Red.
A blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyards in Alentejo, Portugal. The wine was aged for 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak barrels (33% of which were new) and then another 8 months in bottle before release. It has residual sugar of just 2.1 g/L and is vegan friendly.
Sample submitted for review. The Esporao Reserva Red has an SRP of $24 and is available for as low as $16. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. It is imported by Now Wine Imports.
Herdade do Esporao's boundaries remain unchanged for more than 750 years. To produce better wines, we farm under the principles of integrated production. Original label artwork by Anne Geene.
Produced and Bottled by Esporao
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 2018 Esporao Reserva Red opens with a very pleasant and harmonious aroma of black cherry, spice, vanilla and hints of chocolate, licorice and mint.
Taking a sip reveals a balanced, structured, full-bodied wine full of dark berry fruit infused with beautiful spice and even some balsamic notes. Smooth, firm tannins plus more vanilla, chocolate and plenty of leather lead into the very long, dry finish which also features lots of lingering oaky spice and even a bit of minerality.
We previously reviewed and loved the 2014 and 2016 vintages and once again this is a lovely blend! In fact, it might even be more savory this time around.
Ready to buy the Esporao Reserva Red? Check your local retailers.
You can also find more of our favorite wines from Portugal here.
