Esporão Aragonez

Red 2021 – DOC Alentejo

Our single-varietal wines are unique. Produced by Esporão since the 1990s, they reflect the identity of the different varieties in the vineyards where they were created. Aragonez is a very aromatically elegant grape variety, known for producing concentrated wines with a good capacity for ageing.

Our single-varietal wine originates from one of the first vineyards planted at Herdade do Esporão in 1980 – the Canto do Zé Cruz vineyard, from organic farming.

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 soil with some bedrock stones (granite).
Average Vineyard Age: Planted in 1980

Grape Varieties

Aragonez

Vinification

Hand-picked on 23.08.2021. In adega dos lagares, fermented in marble Lagares, foot-trodden. Then transferred to concrete tanks where it finishes the fermentation with controlled temperatures.

Ageing

In new French oak barrels for one year, followed by minimum two years in bottle.

Bottled

August 2023

Technical Information

Alcohol / Volume: 15%
Total Acidity: 5,5 g/1
pH: 3,67
Total Sugars (gluc. + fruct): 1,0g/1

Available Formats

750 ml

Winemakers’ Notes

SANDRA ALVES E JOÃO RAMOS

Colour

Ruby

Aroma

Elegant nose of red fruit, with strawberry jam hores wrapped in hints of chocolate from

Palate

Elegant palate, with present tannins typical of the variety, giving intensity to the finish.

Awards & Reviews

Wine Enthusiast
93 pts | 2014
92 pts | 2013
90 pts | 2017

Robert Parker
94+ | 2016
91pts | 2017 | 2014
90 pts | 2013