The origins of the Esporão winery date back far. Originally founded in 1267, it wasn't purchased until 1973 by José Roquette to fulfill his dream. He was a banker with a passion. He wanted to create a magnificent wine estate with vineyards growing in the mineral-rich, volcanic soils of the Alentejo region in southeastern Portugal. Besides an excellent foundation, the grapes also benefit from the climate. Warm days alternate with cool nights, which is beneficial for the ripening process. Today, the winery owns 450 hectares of vineyards, and at full capacity, Esporão produces approximately seven million liters of wine annually. It's a huge operation, with David Baverstock as its successful winemaker. The vines are planted in granite, loam, and clay soil. The vineyard is 18 years old and is meticulously maintained. The grapes are harvested by hand and destemmed immediately. A cold maceration lasts several hours before the grapes are pressed. The grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and new American and French oak barrels, with aging on the fine lees. Finally, the wine is aged for another six months in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
The Reserva Whit is straw yellow with a green tinge. The aroma is intriguing: an abundance of fruit, including peach, mandarin, lemon, and grapefruit, enhanced by the spice and toasted notes of oak. On the palate, this reserva is creamy and round, with abundant ripe fruit and mineral notes. Aromatic, fresh, balanced, and with a remarkable length.
