February Imported Wine: 2012 Esporao ‘Assobio’ Red, Quinta dos Murcas, Douro, PORTUGAL
Esporao, one of Portugal’s top wine and olive oil producers, enjoys an international presence for their comprehensive series of wines and delectable olive oil offerings. A family-owned and family-run corporation, Esporao also happens to be the largest privately held wine company in Portugal. Founded in 1973 by Jose Roquette and currently led by Jose’s son, João Roquette, the youngest of six children and a man with avant-garde vision, Esporao brings a balanced blend of tradition and foresight, convention and innovation to their wine making practices and ultimately to the lofty lineup of Esporao wines.
Esporao History: Esporao’s Alentejo estate is of equal intrigue for both the history buff as well as the full-fledged oenophile. With the estate’s original boundaries dating back to 1267, a medieval tower and chapel from the 15th and 16th centuries respectively and a detailed archaeological dig (with museum) of a pre-historic settlement that existed on the property some 5,000 years ago, it’s no wonder that the land is nationally recognized for its historical importance. Yet, with an eye to the future the estate is also home to a 20 acre research project that cultivates 188 grape varieties to determine best bets for sustainability.
Quinta dos Murcas: Quinta dos Murças stretches along 3.2 km of the right bank of the River Douro, next to the Covelinhas railway station. It is located in the Cima Corgo sub-region, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, boasting an area of 156 hectares in total. The vineyards occupy 60 hectares and vary in age, altitude and exposure. Due to the uniqueness and excellence of its terroir, Quinta dos Murças enjoys a long tradition of producing high-quality grapes that go to make port an all of the vines are A classified, the region’s top grade. In Cima Corgo, the landscape is inhospitable, rough and near untameable. There are countless deep and steep valleys. Flora shyly sprouts among the rocks resting on stony and schist soils, making the vine is less vigorous and verdant than in Baixo Corgo. The climate is more severe here than in the other Douro sub-regions: the climate is severe: The winters are cold and the summers hot.
Varietals: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and others
Alcohol: 14.0% by volume
Tasting Notes: Perfumed and spicy with notes of blueberries. Round and full bodied palate with youthful fruit and integrated tannins. Finishes with good balancing acidity.
Food Pairings: Enjoy this red with salty cheese and nuts! Drink as an aperitif or with food!
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “Purple fruit, loaded with complex flavors of tobacco and earth. Blackberries are present on the palate as well. A great wine to pair with rich soups and barbeque. Cheers!”-JL