In fine fettle: Herdade do Esporão White Reserva 2011

For a long time, Herdade do Esporão White Reserva (pictured with winemaker David Baverstock) has been a pacesetter in the Alentejo. Few other whites from the region can approach its sheer exuberance of rich tropical fruit, though it’s always well balanced by citrussy acidity thanks to the Arinto in the blend.

In 2011, a cooler year, much like its label, it’s in a relatively restrained mold, the minerality more pronounced and the whole finer. A higher proportion of French oak helps too (of the 50% which sees oak, 70% is aged in French oak).

All in all, it’s most definitely a wine to watch out for, especially since it’s still so reasonably priced. It costs £12.68 at Christopher Piper Wines.