Heredad do Esporão, Vinho Regional Alentejano (Portugal) 2019

 In the glass, dark ruby color shines with a touch of pink in the rim while aromas of black cherry fruit with hints of dried herbs and citrus zest scent the air.  In the mouth, lively black cherry and juicy plum fruit spiced with notes of dried thyme finish with very smooth tannins.  The wine is bright, juicy and easy to drink.  We enjoyed it with pasta in a tomato Italian sausage sauce, and it will go quite well with a burger.  The Alentejo province in south eastern Portugal is home to the Whistler Cork Oak, considered the oldest and largest cork tree in the world.  In addition to cork trees, wine grape vines are an important crop.  Esporão was launched in 1973 when co-founder José Roquette acquired the Herdade do Esporão, a property that was established in 1267.  Today, the family-owned company is run by João Roquette, son of José.