Esporão - Monte Velho Branco 2016
Pairing Suggestions
What a great value wine for this money (about € 7) The perfect big party wine for summer!
Esporão - Monte Velho Branco 2016 (87 tsomw points)
Indigenous blend of Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum grapes.
Light yellow amber color in the glass.
On the nose intense aromas of green apple, apricot, white flowers and freshness of grass and citrus.
On the palate medium bodied with great freshness and full mouthfeel. Lovely acidity with same fruit and some nuts and ending with a long lingering finish.
Importer NL: www.dgswijn.nl
Website winery: www.esporao.com
Winemaker notes:
Launched for the first time in 1992, its name comes from the monte located next to the Caridade reservoir, at Herdade do Esporão. At the time, the wine boasted the same origin and philosophy as Esporão Reserva but was created to reach more people and make daily wine consumption an experience.
Produced according to the region’s winegrowing tradition, the variety of grapes and vinification techniques demonstrate the character of the region from whence it comes: rich aromas, a smooth palate and an excellent gastronomic bent.
Made with grapes from throughout the region, it is the result of partnerships lasting over 15 years with suppliers from the different sub-regions, who use the same integrated production system as Esporão. These sustainable practices, which preclude the use of pesticides and herbicides, are crucial to soil quality and fertility, which provide the vineyard with natural protection that influences the quality of the wines.
Ever faithful to its roots, Monte Velho is the Alentejo in a glass, coming to represent a benchmark of the region in Portugal and the world over the years.
WINE MAKERS
David Baverstock and Sandra Alves
Spring had lower temperatures and higher humidity than in previous years – ideal climatic conditions for fungal diseases in the vines, implying increased care to avoid mildew attacks. The cooler temperatures at this time of year provided a longer period of vegetative growth and, despite the heat felt since July, the beginning of the harvest took place about 10 days later than usual. The hot weather continued throughout the harvest, fruit condition was excellent. Despite the heat, sugar levels were normal and acidities a little lower than normal.
SOIL TYPE
Schist/granite origin with clay loam soils.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES
16 years old