Monte Velho, part of the family of wines under the Herdade do Esporão brand of Portugal, has a lot to offer.  Produced with the same quality profile as their upper level Esporão Reserve, but offered at one-third the price, the wines are accessible to all, in flavor and price.  The beauty of the wines lie in their authenticity, made from distinctive Portuguese varietals, such as Touriga Nacional and Antão Vaz, but the art is in the blend, combining several in varying percentages to make a complex whole.  Intriguing and fascinating, the red and white wines of Monte Velho are seductive in their aromatics and expressive palate, with body and structure, yet balanced in alcohol and acidity.

Courtesy of Herdade do Esporão

Courtesy of Herdade do Esporão

Monte Velho’s pedigree lies in the treasure chest of winemaking that is Portugal.  For a small country, Portugal offers a huge winescape, where a remarkable number of indigenous winegrapes flourish in a number of different regions.  Alentejo is the largest, covering about one-third of the southern half of the country.  Eclectic and exciting, the wines are an adventure, fascinating in their essence and structure, seamless in their body and finish.  You’ll find yourself nosing the wine, wondering at the subtle nuances, and after a sip, delighting at the mouth-filling finish.  There’s a lot to love about these Alentejo wines; exceptional reds and whites, in addition to sparkling and rosé, offer quality and value.

Courtesy of Herdade do Esporão

Sometimes referred to as “The New Tuscany”, Alentejo is number one in wine sales in Portugal, and exports 20% to the rest of the world.  Since 2014, the buzz surrounding Alentejo has increased exponentially, recognized by many major publications as one of the best wine destinations in the world.

Historical center of Esporão, Courtesy of Herdade do Esporão

Herdade do Esporão, Monte Velho’s producer, is located in the cork oak forests of Portugal, southeast of Lisbon.  The estate itself is home to some of the best growing conditions for wine grapes.  Large diurnal temperature swings in a continental climate, with seven different soil types, and a biodiverse environment sets the stage.  They practice organic and sustainable farming for 40 different grape varietals, and encourage all the growers that help contribute to Monte Velho to move in the same direction, hoping to be certified organic in the near future.

Esparão vineyards, Courtesy of Herdade do Esparão

With five different labels produced by Herdade do Esporão, Monte Velho is one of their most important, in its accessibility and reflection of the Alentejo.  The fruit is sourced from almost every area in the Alentejo, allowing the wine to be unique yet consistent in quality.  If the vintage is hotter than usual, an earlier harvest is done, to maintain the elegant and fresh profile of these wines.

Monte Velho White 2019 (SRP $10) - a fascinating blend of 40% Antão Vaz, 40% Roupeiro, and 20% Perrum, this is a full-bodied, fresh, structured white.  Aromas of ripe tropical fruit and citrus condense on the palate, but the wine is not as sweet and fruity as it smells, more on the savory side.  The vibrant acidity and mineral notes funnel the fruit notes into a long finish, making for a captivating wine.  Interestingly, the 14% ABV is so well integrated, resulting in a balanced and appetizing wine.

Monte Velho Red 2019 (SRP $10) - a smooth and complex blend of 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 35% Trincadeira, 20% Touriga Nacional and 5% Syrah, this is one delicious, mouth-filling wine!  Aromatic with plum, red fruit, wild blackberries, violets, spice and herbs, it’s underlying freshness culminates in a long flavorful finish.  And even though it is powerful, rich and concentrated, it is not alcoholic, coming in at a balanced 13.5% ABV.  So delightful, this should be a staple in your wine collection.

The labels on these Monte Velho wines have an embossed pattern on the side, referred to as the Traditional Rugs Edition.  The design reflects the handmade rug and blanket patterns that are the cultural identity of the region, passed down by locals for centuries.  This very same sense of culture permeates their winemaking, allowing for a very different wine expression that is unique to the Alentejo.

These are excellent wines at great prices, and are very distinctive.  Both wines are also available in large format bottles, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

*** For more information on the Alentejo region, check out my article “Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo” ***