Reviews & Ratings

2011 Herdade do Esporao Rose "Defesa"

Winery: Herdade do Esporao

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Defesa"

Wine Category: Rose

Grape blend: Aragones & Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Alentejo

State or country: Portugal

Price: $13

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 87 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (87)

Review date: April 28, 2012

Wine Review: This light strawberry colored Rose opens with and apple and peach like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and crisp. The flavor profile is a mild mineral infused Bosc pear and green apple blend with a hint of red raspberry and touch of oak. The finish is dry and its residual acidity lingers and makes this wine a nice refreshing summer wine. Pair with weisswurst off the grill. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2011 Defesa rose is made up of a blend of Syrah – which is quite often made into fine roses – and Aragones, otherwise known as Tempranillo, which is a lot more famous for making bold, earthy, spicy red wine in places like Rioja than it is for making pink wines. The Defesa sports aromas of red cherries and fresh strawberry. Once it’s in your mouth, you’ll get cherry and spicy blackberry flavors from the Defesa rosé that are lively with a sense of elegance and fullness. It’s a good match for Asian food, sausages, or a really, really good, upscale ham sandwiches.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Defesa 2011 Rose.