Pale gold color; citrus, lemon, grapefruit, apple, white peach, minerality-saline on the nose and palate.
Dry; very soft tannins and good acidity (3.20 pH). Light-plus body. Delicate in the mouth. Surprisingly long finish. Blend of 40% antão vaz, 40% roupeiro, 20% perrum from major wine region in southwestern Portugal. Excellent mix of nuanced flavors. Antão vaz delivers tasty fruit, roupeiro acidity and structure. Superb expression of Portuguese whites from Alentejano region. 13% ABV
The beginning of the 2021 vintage was rainy, some of the highest rainfall totals in two decades. After the wet beginning, temperatures were moderate and the fruit developed nicely with abundant water and a needed increase in temperature as the fruit matured. Grapes were destemmed, pressed and decanted from the must. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to deliver freshness and fruit. Careful vineyard management cooperated with nature to deliver excellent acidity. David Baverstock and Sandra Alves were the winemakers.
Herdade do Esporão traces its roots back to 1267, making it one of the oldest estates in Europe—the estate’s boundaries are virtually unchanged for 750 years. Upon purchase of the estate, Esporão fully restored Herdade’s medieval tower, which now serves as the symbol of the winery. Herdade do Esporão is “The Esporão Homestead” in Spanish. João Roquette leads the second generation of ownership. Their Alentejo is a pioneering eco-wine tourism destination.
The winery website explains their mission: “The Esporão project began in the Alentejo from an irrepressible desire to make the finest wines. This is the basis of everything we do and something we extend to other products and regions.
“Everywhere, nature inspires us and helps us to improve. We respect and protect it, building a more promising future. We believe that companies should serve society, and not the other way around. We aim to always operate in a responsible fashion. This responsibility is neither abstract nor merely collective: it is individual, including everyone who is involved with Esporão.
“We encourage non-conformity, change and creativity, seeking to do better but not necessarily more. We have learnt that progress depends on the knowledge we develop and apply, as well as believing in what we do and putting our heart and soul into it.”
Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho White, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal 2021 is balanced and elegant. An excellent alternative to quality chardonnay at half the chard cost. The winery is a major player in Portugal and consistently produces excellent wines that are astonishing values. This is another example. Pair with pasta dishes with white sauces; pork; shellfish—clams sautéed in butter with parsley; lean fish, oily fish, and seafood; cured ham; light salads; vegetable soups and stews, stuffed red peppers and grilled vegetables. Cheese—soft cheeses; fresh, lighter, creamier cheeses; feta, brie, ricotta, camembert, gorgonzola. Works as an aperitif and/or with a charcuterie board with lighter cheeses, cured meats, and fruits. $11-12
