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PREMIUM

Producer profile: Esporão & 13 top wines to try 

Founded in 1973, Alentejo producer Esporão has emerged as a leading light in the region's modern premium wine scene. Sarah Ahmed looks at its history, meets the names behind the wines and recommends bottles to try.

Esporão is one of the best known wine brands from Portugal. Highlighting its position and status at home and abroad, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary in July with 1,100 guests from 20 countries. They included Portugal’s Ministers of Agriculture & Food and Economy & Maritime Affairs, whose speeches fêted the company’s achievements.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for 12 top Esporão wines to try


In his forceful keynote speech, co-founder José Roquette exhibited the vision and tenacity that enabled Esporão to survive a turbulent watershed in Portugal’s history. And then to thrive. ‘The story of Esporão is the story of the country itself,’ said 87-year-old José, who retired last year. He has handed the chairmanship to his youngest son, João Roquette (below).

A man in a winery

Esporão chairman João Roquette Credit: Esporão


Top Esporão wines to try


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