Esporão Private Selection red 2016

It already sounds exciting, "the private selection." This is indeed the absolute top wine from the Portuguese winery Esporão. Private Selection red is a continuation of the Esporão Garrafeira red, which was launched in 1987. Initially, this wine was a selection from the best barrels of Esporão reserve red, but over time, with a better understanding of the estate's vineyards, it evolved into a selection from the best vineyard plots of various premium grape varieties. This has resulted in a wine with great fruit intensity and a powerful tannic structure, which ensures extended bottle aging.

Old-fashioned way of vinification

Esporão has been fully owned by the Roquette family since 1989. This family is a leader in the development of wines in the Alentejo region. They hired Australian winemaker David Bovenstock to develop their wines. This proved a wise move, as he is the driving force behind the winery's high-quality wines. He ensured that the wines became smoother and more commercially viable than before. As a result, Esporão grew rapidly in Portugal and became one of the most well-known wineries in the country. Today, their wines are enjoyed worldwide. The Private Selection Red is a modern interpretation of the classic Alentejo Garrafeira Red. An intense wine produced with great care. Only the very best grapes from the best years are used for this wine. All grapes are hand-harvested, and the winemaking process still uses traditional "food treading," or foot-treading. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. This is followed by a further 12 months of bottle aging before release.

The intense wine Esporão Private Selection red

An intense wine in every way: in color, aroma, and flavor. It has a dark garnet appearance. The aroma is compact and rich with ripe red berry fruit, dried fruit, tobacco, sweet spices, and toast. The palate is robust and thick, and the firm tannins ensure longevity. A serious wine.