Esporao

Located 180 kms from Lisbon, deep in the Alentejo, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, the landscape unfolds among the gentle slopes of vineyards, olive groves and cork oaks interspersed with hill-top farms and whitewashed villages. The region has been inhabited since pre-history by Romans, Visigoths and Muslims. Reguengos has been Portuguese since the reconquista in 1232 and famous since then for the quality of its wine and olive oil. The team is led by David Baverstock. Ex – Roseworthy and Penfolds before heading to Portugal to work at icon wineries such as Graham’s, Quinta do Crasto and has taken Esporao to the title of Winery of the Year twice and has himself been named Winemaker of the Year twice, including 2012.

Of all the sub-regions in the Alentejo, Reguengos de Monsaraz was chosen because of the poor, stony soils and a tough summer climate that brings hot days and cool nights, followed by a harsh winter. It is here, in the heart of the Alentejo that wines are most balanced, whilst powerful, appealing, lively and have good ageing potential. Portugal is privileged to have the 2nd largest number of native grape varieties of any country in the world, almost 300, that exist nowhere else and make Portuguese wines so unique. Esporão currently has 194 different varieties planted, of which 37 account for virtually all production. Esporao have been pioneers in introducing certain varieties which have become icon varities of Alentejo winemaking, such as Touriga Nacional and Verdelho. Esporao is at the forefront of sustainable production. Environmental diversity, biodiversity of the vineyard and the surrounding environment are a key objective for Esporao, which is currently in the process of converting to organic production methods (certified) and was recently awarded “Sustainability of the Year Award” by Drinks Business. The winery was built in 1985 and it was designed to function almost exclusively with the help of gravity and is complemented by tunnels and underground cellars that allow temperature and humidity to be controlled naturally. ESPORAO