Esporão Alicante Bouschet

RED 2021 • DOC ALENTEJO

Wine Concept

Alicante Bouschet is a red juice grape of French origin. Introduced in Alentejo in the 19th century.

Produces concentrated, full-bodied wines with good ageing potential. This wine is born from the expression of the Alicante Bouschet grape in Vinha das Palmeiras, at Herdade dos Perdigões, under organic production, authentically reflecting the identity of its place of origin.

Harvest Year

The 2021 agricultural year was a rainy year. During the vegetative rest period (Autumn – Winter) precipitation values were higher than the average of the last 22 years, with temperatures remaining mild. These precipitation values led to the fact that, at the beginning of the vegetative cycle (Spring), practically all the soils had their water reserves completely reestablished. The budburst occurred earlier, and the higher temperatures observed during the Spring accelerated the vegetative development until flowering. In Summer, milder temperatures contributed to a regular development of the vegetative cycle, allowing maturation to take pace in a regular and balanced manner.

Viticulture

Vinha das Palmeiras, at Herdade dos Perdigões, under organic Soil Type: eep, dark-coloured soils with good drainage; granitic origin with clay texture, combined with low-fertility soils of schist origin and sandy-loam structure.

Average vineyards age: over 25 years

Grape Varietes

Alicante Bouschet

Vinification

Hand-picked. Fermentation in marble lagares and concrete tulip-shaped tanks

Ageing

Aged for 12 months in large oak vats and French oak barrels, followed by a minimum of two years of bottle ageing.

Bottled

August 2023

Technical Information

Alcohol / Volume: 14%
Total Acidity: 5,5 g/1
pH: 3,57
Total Sugars (gluc. + fruct): 1,0g/1

Available Formats

750 ml

Winemakers’ Notes:

Sandra Alves E João Ramos

Colour

Intense deep garnet

Aroma

Concentrated aroma of ripe black fruit, with balsamic nuances and sweet vanilla notes.

Palate

A spicy, elegant, with smooth tannins

Awards & Critiques:

Wine Enthusiast
93 pts | 2015 | 2013 Cellar Selection
92 pts | 2012
91 pts | 2009
Robert Parker – Wine Advocate
92 pts | 2015