Esporão Reserva Branco, Alentejo

A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Antão Vaz and 30% Roupeiro from vineyards that on average are about 18 years old, the soils are a mixture of granite and schist with clay and loam, and an integrated pest control and a sustainable viticultural approach is employed. Hand-harvested grapes are de-stemmed, then left with skin contact for six hours before chilling and fermentation, 50% in tank with fine lees ageing and 50% in barriques where it is aged for six months. French and American oak is used, a third new, and the wine does not undergo a malolactic fermentation. Aromas of ripe tangerine, honey and apricot with subtle notes of toast and smoke from the barrel fermentation. The palate is complex, creamy, showing ripe fruit flavours and mineral notes with a long, fresh finish.