Portugal is all the rage but it isn’t cool just because some hipsters have suddenly “discovered” Lisbon’s colorful streets and Alentejo’s wide open spaces. Portugal’s cool quotient spans centuries and their rich wine culture is a big part of its irresistible Iberian appeal. If you find Portuguese wines a bit puzzling, Esporão is a delicious starting point. Founded in 1973 on an estate with a 750-year history, Esporão’s portfolio includes wines crafted from indigenous and international grapes grown at their estates in the Douro Valley and the Alentejo region. A leader in sustainability, Esporão is committed to organic practices and is on track to be 100% organically certified by 2021.
Master Sommelier and Esporão enthusiast Alex LaPratt
I’ve been a fan of Esporão’s wines for several years and even visited their impressive Alentejo estate in 2018. Earlier this summer in Manhattan, my palate revisited those Portuguese memories at a tasting led by Alex LaPratt, Master Sommelier. Inspired by Portugal’s June 10th national holiday, Portugal Day, our celebration was cheekily deemed Esporão Day. But you don’t need to wait for an official holiday to explore these wonderful wines. Esporäo has an incredibly rich portfolio so I recommend trying one of these four fantastic bottles.
Assobio Branco 2018, Douro, $13
You can't go wrong with this flirty and fresh white blend of Viosinho, Verdelho, Rabigato, Gouveio, and Códega do Larinho grapes from the highest and steepest hillside at Quinta dos Murças. The name Assobio refers to the whistling sound made by the wind as it travels through the hilltop vineyards. Perky acidity and minerality add texture to its flavors of fresh lime, passionfruit, and honeydew.
Esporão Reserva Branco 2017, Alentejo, $18
The very first wine produced by Esporão, this rich white wine is a blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Roupeiro. Aged in stainless steel and new French and American oak, its vibrant lemon and grapefruit flavors are revved up by hints of cream and spice. Big and bold but not bulky.
Quinta dos Murças Minas Tinto 2017, Douro, $25
Minas means spring in Portuguese and this red wine’s name was inspired by the five cool water springs that cool the vineyards. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cão grapes that were aged in concrete vats and used French oak casks for 9 months, it is full, ripe, and fresh with a harmonious interplay between flavors of red fruit, slate, and earth.
Esporão Colheita Tinto 2017, Alentejo, $16
Estate grown Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Touriga Franca grapes were aged for 6 months in tulip-shaped concrete tanks to craft this silky and juicy red with charming black plum and currant flavors with a kiss of white pepper.