Espera Branco 2023

Espera translates as 'wait' in English, and is a word that Rodrigo Martins uses as the basis of his winemaking philosophy. It is a word that he uses to connect his vineyards and wines to nature. Rodrigo works with organically farmed vineyards in the Alcobaca region just North of Lisbon. The 5 hectares are planted with indigenous grape varieties including, and beyond, the well-known Touriga Nacional. Rodrigo has no set elevage for his cuvees, preferring to treat each vintage as its own, giving more or less time as the wine needs. This way he believes that the wines best represent the vintage.

Alcobaca is famous for its large population of Cistercian monks, who have been making wine for many generations. Rodrigo looks to their historical winemaking practises to influence his own winemaking. These wines are a true insight into the terroir of Alcobaca and the history which defines the region.

A co-ferment, with fermentation taking place in old oak before 12 months elevage in the same old oak. The vineyards are both east facing in order to maintain freshness and acidity in the grapes.