Esporao, Monte Velho Organic Tinto, 2020

Esporão has become a leading advocate for environmental sustainability in Portugal, converting all its vineyards in the Alentejo region to organic farming in 2019, with its vineyards in the Douro valley following suit this year. The family-owned wine company’s efforts have been recognised by regulatory body the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP), which awarded Quinta dos Murças the 2020 Environment & Sustainability Award. In 2020 and 2021, Esporão was recognised as one of the world’s 50 most-admired wine brands by Drinks International magazine. The Monte Velho vineyards are 15 year old, organic vineyards, planted on granitic soil with a clayey texture. Grapes are de-stemmed, crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with controlled temperatures. Naturally occuring malolactic fermentation is followed by 3 months minimum ageing in tanks before bottling.

A blend of Aragonez, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Petite Syrah, Touriga Franca, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Miuda. Aromas of berries, cherries and blackberries are followed on intense and consistent palate, with notes of ripe but fresh black fruit, elegant and persistent tannins, and a long and expressive finish.

Versatile wine that will pair nicely with roasted meats, pasta or sautee vegetables.