Magistra XO – Esporão & Quinta do Rol – DOC Lourinhã – Aged Portuguese Wine Brandy

A rare and now discontinued Portuguese aged wine spirit from one of the country’s most distinctive appellations: DOC Lourinhã. Magistra was created through a collaboration between Esporão and Quinta do Rol, bringing together the winemaking and blending expertise of Esporão with grapes and distillation traditions from the historic Lourinhã region. Lourinhã occupies an exceptional position in the world of fine wine spirits. It is one of only a very small number of regions internationally with a specifically demarcated appellation dedicated to wine spirits, alongside the celebrated French regions of Cognac and Armagnac. Magistra was created from traditional white varieties grown in the region, including Tália – also known as Ugni Blanc – Malvasia Rei, Alicante Branco and Boal. Following traditional vinification, the wine was distilled at Quinta do Rol and the resulting spirits underwent extended maturation in wood. Magistra was ultimately assembled as a mature blend with approximately 15 years of ageing, developing exceptional aromatic complexity. The resulting spirit displays an elegant topaz colour and a sophisticated aromatic profile dominated by dried fruits, walnut and almond, accompanied by fine wood, vanilla, spice and delicate dried-flower notes. On the palate it is smooth, rich and refined, with an appealingly rounded texture and persistent layers of mature fruit, spice and wood. Magistra has become increasingly difficult to source following its discontinuation, adding significant interest for collectors of Portuguese spirits.