Esporão Reserva Branco, Alentejo 2022

The boundaries of Herdade do Esporão, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, were established in the 13th century, and since then it has become increasingly famous for its wine and olive oil production. In 2020 Esporão was ranked 13th in The World's Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International Magazine. Deservedly so in our view.

Herdade do Esporão’s vineyard nursery houses an astonishing 194 grape varieties, most of which are indigenous Portuguese varieties, and 37 of which are in current production and have been selected because they best represent the Alentejo region. They work closely with educational and research institutions to catalogue and assess the rich heritage of Portugal's own grapes in order to preserve them for future generations. They are grown on schist-clay and granite soils derived from eruptive rock, and the vineyards’ location means they also benefit from many hours of sunshine each day.

The secret to Herdade do Esporão’s 460ha of Alentejo vineyards, however, lies in the large central lake, which moderates the classically wide range of continental-Mediterranean temperatures that characterises the region and can make wine cultivation particularly difficult. This, twinned with the fact that some of their current vines are over 40 years old, is what makes their wines unique.

Despite the vineyard’s size, Esporão does not need casual labourers during the harvest: it has a team of around 100 people who have worked on the site for years, meaning they possess a loyalty and affection for the vineyards and always strive only to select the best grapes at harvest. The vineyards are farmed sustainably and certified under the Integrated Production system, and they are also working towards certified organic status.

In 2008 they purchased the 160 hectare Quinta dos Murças in the Douro region with a view to making DOC wines. After all, long term head winemaker David Baverstock helped to establish first Quinta do Crasto then Quinta de la Rosa before heading south to Alentejo. 50ha are planted to vineyard, mostly old vines, unusually around 80% vertically planted.

Then in 2019 they acquired Quinta do Ameal in the Lima Valley to strengthen their wine portfolio to perhaps the three best known DOCs of Portugal: Vinho Verde, Douro, Alentejo.

Environmental sustainability
Esporão’s dedication to organic farming which, starting in 2007, has entailed the total cessation of the use of herbicides and pesticides on all crops. Esporão’s vineyards now represent 18% of all Portuguese organic wine grape production. All its vineyards and olive groves have been certified organic. Due to its location, Quinta do Ameal uses integrated production and completely foregoes herbicide use.

Esporao also encourages biodiversity. For example, in 2017, they launched their Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management Plan for their Quinta dos Murças estate. This monitors and manages everything from the plants to species of insects (such as bees and butterflies) and insectivore birds such as warblers, as well as birds of prey (falcons and kites).

They have also focused on the water and soil structures themselves. They have rebuilt blocks of vineyards to recover original water lines. They have also installed thousands of shrubs and trees to increase the resilience of the productive ecosystem.

Social sustainability
The Alto Douro region is the oldest demarcated winegrowing region in the world, and Esporao strive to be a responsible member of the local community and to help it develop.