Esporão moves into eco-friendly packaging

Esporão is demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability with new more eco-friendly packaging. From the 2012 vintage, its bottles of Monte Velho wine will be lighter, weighing 14.8 ounces (previously 16.5oz), and packed in simple cardboard boxes, printed with a single colour to use less ink. The labels have been redesigned to reflect the modern approach of the company, while respecting the Alentejo region and its traditions.

Fiona Juby, head of marketing at the brand’s UK distributor Barwell & Jones, comment: “It’s encouraging to see that Esporão continues to evolve its packaging in line with its sustainability goals. Monte Velho is the number one premium Portuguese wine brand in the domestic market and also has excellent on- and off-trade distribution across the UK. We believe that the new lighter packaging and improved quality of the labels will appeal to the consumer.’

Produced since 1992 at Herdade do Esporão, the company’s Alentejo estate, Monte Velho wines share the same winemaking philosophy as the Esporão Reserva line: only the best quality indigenous grapes are used to allow their authentic varietal character to shine through. The new vintage wines include the same varietal blends as in previous years, but the grapes are now grown using stricter environmental practices, in order to produce the best quality fruit.

Monte Velho White 2012 is a blend of the indigenous grapes Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum. It has a fruity nose with notes of apricots, nectarines and citrus peel, with a long, aromatic finish. This fresh and versatile wine pairs well with simple grilled fish and seafood dishes, as well as salads and fresh cheeses.

Monte Velho Red 2012 is a blend of the Alentejo grapes Aragonês and Trincadeira, together with Touriga Nacional and a dash of Syrah. Syrah has been planted on the Esporão estate for decades and is commonly used in blends from the Alentejo. The wine has wild berry fruit aromas and subtle toasted notes, with delicate tannins.

For more information on the winery's practices, visit www.esporao.com/en/sustainability/projects/

27 January 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor