Esporão Private Selection Red is an extension of Esporão Garrafeira Red, which was first launched in 1987. Initially, we simply chose the best barrels of Esporão Reserva; however, over time, we began to understand our vineyards better, naturally developing a selection of the finest plots at the Herdade. At the end of the 1990s, we built a winery exclusively for this wine, which became the focus of our attention. In 2001, Esporão Private Selection was produced, which was designed to challenge the classic profile of great wines from the Alentejo.
Its solid structure, personality and complexity are the result of climactic conditions, the selection of the finest grapes from our terroir and our winemakers’ creativity. These are exclusive wines, made in small quantities for intense and intimate moments. 
Every year we invite an artist to illustrate its labels, thus combining the Portuguese culture of winemaking with art. Label photograph by Anne Geene.
Food pairing
Excellent, powerful wine with red grilled or roasted meat

Esporão Private Selection Red is an extension of Esporão Garrafeira Red, which was first launched in 1987. Initially, we simply chose the best barrels of Esporão Reserva; however, over time, we began to understand our vineyards better, naturally developing a selection of the finest plots at the Herdade. At the end of the 1990s, we built a winery exclusively for this wine, which became the focus of our attention. In 2001, Esporão Private Selection was produced, which was designed to challenge the classic profile of great wines from the Alentejo.

Its solid structure, personality and complexity are the result of climactic conditions, the selection of the finest grapes from our terroir and our winemakers’ creativity. These are exclusive wines, made in small quantities for intense and intimate moments. 

Every year we invite an artist to illustrate its labels, thus combining the Portuguese culture of winemaking with art. Label photograph by Anne Geene.

Food pairing

Excellent, powerful wine with red grilled or roasted meat

 

Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Touriga Franca

18 months of aging in 30% new and 70% used (one year old) French oak barrels of 225 liters

 

Canto de Zé Cruz Vineyard (Aragonez) – Sandy loam soil with granite stone in the top 20 cm layer, clay below. Telheiro Vineyard (Syrah) – Stony schist based skeletal soil. 

Palmeiras Vineyard (Alicante Bouschet) – Deep clay soil with good drainage.

 

Alcoholcontent

14,5%

pH: 3.5

 

Store & Serve

Store and drink until at least 15 years after the harvest year

Serve at 16-18°C

Critics & Awards

18,5/20 - Grandes Escolhas Tasted: Aug 2024

91/100 - Wine Enthusiast e Tasted: Jul 2024

4,4/5 - Vivino (197 reviews)

90/100 - Vinum Wine Magazine Tasted May 2025 - When to drink: 2025 to 2035

Rubinrot und stark vom Holz geprä> Vanille, Mokka, Pinienharz, rosa Grapefruit, Orangen, Brombeeren; am Gaumen gradinig, dicht, fruchtbetont, zupackendes Tannin, vife Säure, das Holz ist gut verpackt, im Abgang mit Würze und guter Länge.

 

Producer: Herdade do Esporao 

Region: Alentejo