Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow. There are only a few places in the world which can express the secrets of Pinot. Burgundy of course, Central Otago in New Zealand and Oregon.
Oregon’s Willamette Valley offers the perfect conditions for growing the delicate Pinot Noir grape, combining the elegance and complexity and of Burgundy with the benefit of American sunshine. This leads to the most beautiful perfumed red fruited wines.
In April 2013 Jacques Lardière who was leading winemaker at Maison Louis Jadot for 42 years formed a collaboration with Thibault Gagey whose family had operated Maison Louis Jadot since 1962.
Résonance is Maison Louis Jadot’s first wine project outside of Burgundy since their founding in 1859
Resonance Wine is sourced from two vineyards: the 20 acre Resonance vineyard planted in 1981 and the 18 acre Decouverte vineyard located 10 miles from Résonance Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AV
We will be tasting six wines in total including their excellent Chardonnays with a matched 3 course dinner in Frederick’s Private club room.
Wines will include Decouverte Chardonnay, Resonance Pinot Noir and Decouverte Pinot Noir and
This promises to sell out quickly so please book early for this dinner.
Esporão was founded in 1973 by José Roquette and Joaquim Bandeira,
They are one of the leading wine companies in Portugal and one of the largest organic wine producers.
They have three wineries – Herdade do Esporão in Alentejo,
Quinta dos Murças in Douro and Quinta do Ameal in Vinho Verde –
In Alentejo, all of their vineyards are certified organic, as well as those at Quinta dos Murças, Douro. They own 623ha of organic vineyards – the biggest ownership in Portugal, representing about 18% of total organic production in the country.
We tasted a selection of their wines from their three regions, Vinho Verde, Duoro valley and Alentejo with a matched three course dinner in Frederick’s private room on Tuesday February 7th 2023. Hosted by Pedro Lopes Vieira Sales Manager at Esporao Wines
Aperitif –
Quinta de Ameal Loureiro
From the Lima sub-region of Vinho Verde, the birthplace of Loureiro, this vibrant wine really shows the huge potential for this eminently approachable variety. Reminiscent of lemon sherbets, zingy, fresh and lively, yet intense and balanced wine, that will evolve well over the next 15 years
Starter –
Smoked salmon with potato & beetroot salad Frederick’s Waldorf salad
Monte Velho white
A blend of Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum from 18-years-old vineyards planted on granite, schist and clay soils. Fresh and balanced, with a firm body, citrus and white fruit characters and no oak.
Herdade do Esporão Reserva white
An organic blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto and Roupeiro, fermented and matured for 6 months in a combination of tanks and new American and French oak barriques. The calling card for the range with an elegant, creamy palate, notes of peaches and nutmeg.
Esporão Reserva Red was the first wine launched in 1985 and it still represents the estate’s diverse winemaking history. A true Portuguese blend of native varieties that are fermented separately, then blended together and aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels, with a further 8 months of ageing in bottle before release. Black fruits, nutty and black pepper notes intermingle on the rich and complex palate that doesn’t disappoint.
Quinta dos Murças Reserva red
This Reserva is from some of the oldest vineyards of the estate, located between 150m and 280m with a south and westerly exposure. Its special terroir gives the final wine its complexity and longevity. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão, Tinta Amarcela, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz combined with 12 months in oak result in an intense, balanced beauty dominated by black fruits and spice
Dessert
Pear & almond tart, clotted cream
Quinta dos Murças Tawny port
A wine with gravitas and history, from the first vertical vineyard planted in the Douro Valley in 1947. One hectare of vines is planted on schist soils at altitudes greater than 262m, with a southeast exposure. The highest expression of the estate terroir, characterized by great harmony and elegance, with fine mature tannins and balancing acidity, with a great ageing potential.
WanderCurtis Wine 