Soalheiro - Alvarinho Primeiras Vinhas 2020
Price: $24.96
Producer | Soalheiro |
Country | Portugal |
Varietal | Other White Grapes |
Vintage | 2020 |
Sku | 103209 |
Size | 750ml |
Soalheiro began in 1974 when João António Cerdeira and his parents, António Esteves Ferreira and Maria Cerdeira planted their first vines. This single site Alvarinho comes from that vineyard, their first vines, Primeiras Vinhas. Dispersed across the territories of Monção and Melgaço the vineyards are part of the famous Vinho Verde appellation but this is about as serious as wines from the region can get. The microclimate that influences the production of Alvarinho grapes in their territory is unique. Monção and Melgaço, Portugal's northernmost territory, are protected by a set of mountains that allow for a perfect combination of rainfall, temperature, and the number of sunshine hours necessary for the optimal maturation of Alvarinho grape variety. This favorable sun exposure - a 'soalheiro' (sunny) location - also lent its name to the parcel that was the origin of the brand and also Primeiras Vinhas. The grapes are harvested by hand and are primarily fermented in stainless steel, with 15% undergoing fermentation in oak vessels - including old barrels, a foudre, and oak round casks - to enhance richness. "The philosophy is to increase lees contact through bâtonnage. This imparts structure to the wine and provides a distinct character,"Antonio Luis Cerdeira, 3rd generation winemaker says. The wine undergoes aging for 6 months. The winery is only 30 miles from the ocean so pairing it with seafood makes great sense.