Esporão Aragonez
Red 2017 • DOC Alentejo
Our single-varietal wines are unique. Produced by Esporão since the 1990s, they reflect the identity of the different varieties and the vineyards where they originate. Aragonez is a very aromatically elegant grape variety, known for producing concentrated wines with good ageing potential. This single-varietal wine comes from one of the first vineyards planted at Herdade do Esporão in 1980 — the Canto do Zé Cruz vineyard.
Harvest Year
Autumn and winter were colder and rainier than the previous year, with the highest rainfall and lowest temperatures occurring between November and February. Still, both temperature and precipitation were within the 18-year average. Spring temperatures exceeded those of 2016, accelerating growth stages. A hot, dry spring ensured healthy fruit set. Summer began warmer than 2016 (+2.0°C) and hastened ripening. Cooler August and September temperatures further enhanced maturation and increased sugar levels, resulting in rich, concentrated reds and full-bodied whites with ripe fruit notes.
Viticulture
Vineyard: Canto do Zé Cruz, 4.55 ha parcel at Herdade do Esporão
Soil Type: Sandy-loam with granite stones
Vineyard Age: Planted in 1980
Grape Varieties
Aragonez
Vinification
Hand-picked on 21 August 2017. Fermented in marble lagares with foot treading, then transferred to concrete tanks to finish fermentation at controlled temperatures.
Ageing
12 months in new French oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 2 years in bottle.
Bottled
24 July 2019
Technical Information
Alcohol / Volume: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 6.7 g/l
pH: 3.6
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l
Available Formats
750 ml
Winemakers’ Notes
David Baverstock / Sandra Alves
Colour
Deep garnet
Aroma
Dominated by spice and wood notes, with nuances of truffle and red berries
Palate
Balanced and precise, with freshness and the typical tannins of the variety. Persistent and elegant finish.
Awards & Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
93 pts | 2014
92 pts | 2013
Robert Parker
94+ pts | 2016
91 pts | 2014
90 pts | 2013
