WINE CONCEPT
This wine was created in 2001 to challenge the classic profile of great Alentejo wines. Over the years the Semillon variety has been adapting with great success to the unique place where it was planted. The maturity of the vineyard, combined with its sun exposure and type of soil, has been giving grapes with an enormous potential that make this wine unique. Label by Abel Mota.
AWARDS
Wine Enthusiast
95 pts TOP 100 | 2018
93 pts | 2020, 2019
92 pts | 2017 | 2009
91 pts | 2015 | 2014 | 2008
AGRICULTURE
The 2021 agricultural year was a rainy year. During the vegetative rest period (Autumn – Winter) precipitation values were higher than the average of the last 22 years, with temperatures remaining mild. These precipitation values led to the fact that, at the beginning of the vegetative cycle (Spring), practically all the soils had their water reserves completely reestablished. The budburst occurred earlier, and the higher temperatures observed during the Spring accelerated the vegetative development until flowering. In Summer, milder temperatures contributed to a regular development of the vegetative cycle, allowing maturation to take pace in a regular and balanced manner.
SOIL TYPE
Predominantly clay, deep and well drained, ideal for balanced production, aromatic development and to preserve freshness and to enhance the terroir characteristics.
VINEYARD AGE
25 years
GRAPE VARIETIES
Semillon
VINIFICATION / MATURATION
The grapes were delivered to the winery in the morning, when temperatures are at their lowest, 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 body and complexity of the wine. Fermentation took place in French oak barrels (550 liters) in a temperature-controlled cellar (18ºC).
Six months on the lees with periodic batonnage to provide better oak integration in the wine, thereby reinforcing the creamy texture and depth. After bottling, the wine aged 6 months in the bottle to enhance the complexity that characterizes this wine.
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
Sandra Alves & João Ramos.
COLOUR
Straw color with green hues.
AROMA
Apricot and ripe lemon, with notes of white pepper and some fresh almond.
PALATE
Rich and exuberant, highlighted by white fruit and a nuance of nutmeg. Long and elegant finish.
SIZES
750 ml
BOTTLING
5 July 2022
ALCOHOL/VOLUME
14 %
TOTAL ACIDITY
5.5 g/l
PH
3.28
REDUCING SUGAR / BAUMÉ
1.8 g/l
