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Description

A beguiling, light ruby in the glass, this is a palheto in the truest sense: a traditional field blend of red and white grapes, co-fermented in the manner that country people in this part of Portugal have practised for centuries. The grapes come from two old-vine vineyards in Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha, around twenty different varieties grown on clay-limestone soils, harvested early by hand into small crates. White varieties ferment with their skins before the Touriga Nacional joins the must a couple of days in, with natural fermentation completing in old French oak barrels where the wine rests for seven months. The nose offers red fruits with delicate floral and spicy nuances, the palate elegant, fresh and textured with a vibrant finish. At just 11.5% alcohol, this is a wine of real charm, rooted in the Cistercian winemaking heritage of Alcobaça and made by Rodrigo Martins with the unhurried patience that his estate name, Espera, invites us to embrace.

Espera Palheto Lisboa 2024

£26.50

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DELIVERY & RETURNS

Taste Profile

Dry

Sweet

Light

Complex

Fresh

Oaked

Aromas + Flavours

Red Cherry

Flint

Pear

More Information

Attributes

Type: Red Wine
Style: Light and Perfumed Red
Country: Portugal
Region: Lisbon
Blend: Touriga Nacional, White Grapes, co-fermented
Vintage: 2024
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 75cl
Farming: Biodynamic
Winemaking: Minimal Intervention
Vegan: Certified

Espera Wines

Espera Wines began in 2014 when Rodrigo nurtured small vineyards in Alcobaça, inspired by patience and nature. The name “Espera” refers to a secondary shoot left during pruning, symbolising growth and time. Rooted 120 meters above sea level near Nazaré, the wines reflect the Atlantic terroir—shaped by cool breezes, humidity, and saline air. Fresh and mineral-driven, Espera honours natural, artisanal winemaking with a distinctive sense of place and craftsmanship.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the wine region surrounding Portugal's vibrant capital city, is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality wines, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate with a mix of coastal and inland influences. The area’s varied terroirs and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean contribute to its unique wine characteristics.
Lisbon is particularly known for its robust reds, including those made from indigenous grapes such as Castelão and Touriga Nacional, which offer rich fruit flavours and well-structured profiles. It also excels in producing whites, notably from the Arinto and Fernão Pires grapes, known for their crisp acidity, fresh fruit notes, and aromatic qualities.
Historically, Lisbon's wine trade has been significant, with the city's port serving as a crucial hub for the export of Portuguese wines. The region blends traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques, providing a diverse and evolving wine experience that reflects its rich heritage and dynamic climate.