Esporao Defesa Tinto 2022 vs Mendiondo Rioja Tempranillo 2024
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £9.99 | £9.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Syrah | Tempranillo |
| Region | — | Rioja |
| Country | — | Spain |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Esporao Defesa Tinto 2022
Esporao Defesa Red is a vibrant and expressive red wine from Portugal's Alentejo region, crafted to showcase the area's warm climate balanced by freshness and approachability. Sourced from established vineyards planted on granitic and schist soils, this harmonious blend of Portuguese and international varieties delivers depth, energy and balance with a long, satisfying finish. Why You'll Love It This is Alentejo winemaking at its finest: rich yet elegant, concentrated yet lively, with exceptional balance and drinkability. Produced by Esporao, one of Portugal's most respected wineries, Defesa reflects the estate's commitment to sustainable viticulture and authentic expressions of terroir. The blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah creates a wine with both Portuguese character and international appeal, offering outstanding quality at an exceptional price point. Vineyard and Production Sourced from established vineyards in Alentejo planted on granitic and schist soils that provide excellent drainage and mineral character. Each grape variety is harvested separately to ensure optimal ripeness and character. Following de-stemming and crushing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and varietal expression. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in tank, resulting in a smooth, well-integrated wine with balanced structure and vibrant texture. Tasting Notes Deep and expressive with intense aromas of ripe berries and red plum, complemented by subtle notes of fresh woods. The palate is rich and concentrated yet lively, showing excellent balance, supple texture and a long, polished finish. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and vibrant energy. Perfect Pairings A versatile wine ideal with grilled beef skewers, barbecue dishes, savoury vegetable pies, roasted lamb, Portuguese cuisine, aged cheeses or hearty stews. Also excellent with charcuterie and Mediterranean dishes. Grape Variety 50% Touriga Nacional , 50% Syrah
Mendiondo Rioja Tempranillo 2024
Mendiondo is a young, vibrant Rioja Wines expression from Boutinot Spain, sourced from vineyards in the Rioja Alta and Oriental subregions near the villages of Alberite and Villamediana. With vines averaging 20 years of age and planted at altitudes of 350 to 500 metres on iron-rich clay, gravel and sand soils, this is an unoaked Tempranillo of real freshness and character, crafted by winemaker Alfredo Gonzalez. Why You'll Love It This is Red Wine at its most approachable. Unoaked and fruit-forward, Mendiondo showcases the natural vibrancy of Rioja Tempranillo without the weight of wood, making it an ideal everyday bottle with genuine regional character. Vegetarian, vegan, and sustainably produced, it offers outstanding quality and value. Vineyard and Production. Grapes are hand-harvested in September and undergo a cold pre-maceration in stainless steel, followed by alcoholic fermentation below 28 degrees with a light pumping-over. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel. The wine is kept on lees for around four months before bottling, preserving the bright, fresh fruit character that defines this style. Tasting Notes. An approachable young Rioja with plum and black cherry aromas and hints of spice. The palate is ripe and generous with bright bramble fruit, smooth tannins and a fresh finish. Perfect Pairings. An excellent match for Spanish meatballs and lamb chops. Also well suited to Mediterranean stuffed peppers, grilled chorizo and casual weeknight pasta dishes. Grape Varieties. Tempranillo
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