Touriga Nacional 2015 – Esporão.

Last summer we visited Esporão who are one of the biggest wineries in Portugal. Located in Alentejo they produce a large number of different wines, most of which are blends as is common in Portugal. They do however make some single varietal wines, of which this Touriga Nacional, a single vineyard wine.

About the Winery

Esporão is one of the largest but also better producers in Portugal, they are very conscious when it comes to grape growing and have a large number of vineyards with all kinds of grape varieties planted. Amongst these there are both indigenous varieties as well as international ones. They have a wide array of both single varietal wines and blends.

In their search for success they are always testing new varieties, to see how they perform and develop in the Portugese climate. This wine is from one of the oldest vineyards of Touriga Nacional in Alentejo (planted in 1988) – Badeco vineyard in Herdade do Esporão. It represents the singularity of the grape variety and the characteristics of this single vineyard.

About the Wine

This 100% Touriga Nacional ferments in concrete tanks, after which it ages in new French oak barrels for 12 months and 24 months in the bottle before being released. It is only produced in exceptional years that meet the high-quality standards of both the vineyard and winemaking team. This involves the vinification of small blends of the same grape variety from different plots, in which the final goal is to understand and enhance the character of each grape associated with the type of soil and microclimate where it is grown.

In the glass a deep dark red colour, with purple edges. What follows is an intense nose featuring dark fruit, coffee and oak notes. Intensity continues on the palette with strong tannins and persistence at high alcohol level of 14%. The wine has good ageing potential and is best enjoyed when given some air and accompanied by a hearty dish.

Conclusion: If you are not afraid of a bold and robust wine this red might just work for you. Made from rich and opulent fruit and raised with a strong touch of oak you can feel the Portugese sun shining through this glass. Very suitable for cold evenings or as a companion with some game or a hearty stew.

This wine is available online at Wijn aan de Zaan.

Price:                   €29,95

Taste date:           December 2022

Score:                    90/100 DWA Score

Website:               Esporão