Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas – Alvarinho 2016

Traditionally, the wines of Melgaço were field blends of various native grape varieties. In 1974, João Antonio Cerdeira broke from tradition and planted the first continuous vineyard of a single variety, Alvarinho, in the territory. In 1982, he became the first in the region to bottle them into a single varietal wine and dedicated the entire production of Soalheiro to Alvarinho. As the name of the wine indicates, Primeiras Vinhas (‘First Vineyards’) sources its production from the old-vine fruit of that inaugural 1974 planting. This wine boasts an elegant structure and complexity not common in Monçao and Melgaço, using old vines to create a new expression of the region’s winemaking potential.

Region: Monção and Melgaço, Vinho Verde DOC

Alcohol (%): 13,0

Total Acidity (g/dm3): 6,6

Residual Sugar: Dry

Grape Varieties: Alvarinho

pH: 3,26

Volatile Acidity (g/dm3): 0,4

(The values are approximate)

Download PNG

Technical Sheet

Food Suggestions

The wine made from the oldest vines features lively acidity with added complexity from the barrel, making it a versatile match for many plates. It pairs well with seafood, all kinds of fish, poultry dishes, mature cheeses, smoked meats, or Asian and Mediterranean gastronomies.

Tasting Notes

Primeiras Vinhas has a bright lemon to golden-yellow colour and a concentrated ripe fruit aroma with buttery notes and plenty of spice. It boasts an elegant, vibrant flavour that is very firm and tropical tasting in its youth and gets bigger with ageing. Its full body perfectly balances with a crisp acidity. These complexities are due to the early ripening of the Alvarinho on the suntrap, nicknamed ‘Soalheiro’, where our first vineyard is located.

Terroir

The microclimate that influences the production of Alvarinho grapes in our territory is unique. Monção and Melgaço, Portugal's northernmost territory, is protected by a set of mountains that allow a perfect combination between rainfall, temperature, and the number of sunshine hours necessary for the best maturation of the grapes of the Alvarinho grape variety. This good sun exposure - a 'soalheiro' (sunny) location - also gave its name to the parcel that was in the origin of the brand and also Primeiras Vinhas.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand from the old vines in our territory. The wine is fermented mostly in stainless steel, with 15% fermented in oak vessels - in old barrels, a foudre and a oak round casks -, for added richness. “The philosophy is to have more lees contact through bâtonnage. This gives structure to the wine and a different character”, explains our winemaker. The wine ages for 6 months.