Espera Touriga Nacional 2022

Espera Touriga Nacional 2022 is a characterful Portuguese red that puts the spotlight firmly on one of the country’s most iconic grape varieties. Crafted in the coastal Lisboa region, it offers a fresher, more Atlantic expression of Touriga Nacional than you might find in the hotter inland appellations. This is a modern, terroir-driven wine that balances depth and perfume with an inviting, food‑friendly structure.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Espera Touriga Nacional 2022 shows a deep ruby colour with vibrant purple reflections, hinting at its youth and energy. The nose is expressive and floral, with classic Touriga aromas of violets and rose petals, supported by notes of wild blackberry, black cherry and a touch of fresh herbs and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied yet remarkably poised, combining ripe dark fruits with a refreshing Atlantic lift. Blackberries, blueberries and dark plum are layered with hints of licorice, graphite and a gentle savoury edge. The tannins are fine and well-shaped, offering grip without being harsh, while the acidity keeps everything bright and lively through to a long, elegant finish. Enjoyable now for its vibrancy, it has the structure to develop added complexity over the next 4–7 years.

Production
Espera works with vineyards in the Lisboa region that benefit from strong Atlantic influence, combining cooling sea breezes with limestone and clay-based soils that naturally limit yields and preserve acidity. Grapes for the Touriga Nacional are typically hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure careful selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, the fruit is gently destemmed and fermented with a focus on preserving aromatic purity and varietal character, often with native yeasts and temperature control. Maceration is tailored to extract colour and fine tannins without over-extraction, and maturation takes place in a mix of stainless steel and neutral vessels (and, where used, older oak) to add texture while keeping oak influence subtle and in the background.

Food & Serving
This Touriga Nacional is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with grilled lamb, roast pork, herbed chicken, and richly flavoured sausages, as well as hearty dishes like mushroom risotto, baked pasta, or roasted root vegetables. It also works well with semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego, aged Gouda or Portuguese queijo de Azeitão. Serve at around 16–18°C; a brief 30–45 minutes in a decanter can help the wine open up its floral and dark-fruit aromatics, especially in its first few years.

Producer
Espera is a small, quality-focused project in Portugal’s Lisboa region, known for expressing the Atlantic character of its vineyards through minimal intervention and careful craftsmanship. The estate has built a reputation for clean, precise wines that highlight native Portuguese grape varieties, often working with low yields and sustainable, hands-on viticulture. By exploring grapes like Touriga Nacional in cooler coastal sites, Espera showcases a fresher, more elegant side of Portugal’s red wine heritage, contributing to Lisboa’s growing recognition as a source of distinctive, terroir-driven wines.

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