2021 Soalheiro Alvarinho Vinho Verde

• #81 Wine Spectator Top 100 wines of 2024
• "Excellent Tipicity, Balanced by Vibrant Acidity" ~93 AdegaMag
• Portugal's Answer to Spanish Albariño
• BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

You've probably heard of Albarino from NW Spain and Rias Baixas, located just north of the Mino river. Well, just south of that river lies a similar climate in Portugal that producers outstanding Alvarinho.

Do you love aromatic white wines but you're tired of Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Grigio? Let us introduce you to a special white wine from Portugal. 

Soalheiro is a renowned winery crafting exceptional Alvarinho wines from the heart of Portugal's Monção and Melgaço region, which is considered the best region for white wines in the whole country. This region also produces the famous Vinho Verde "green wine" that is intended to be drunk in its youth. Alvarinho is considered to the best white grape in the region and the top producers make this into a single varietal wine to showcase it's beauty. This sun-kissed area, with its unique blend of climate and soil, is the perfect stage for the Alvarinho grape to shine.

In the north of the country with heavy Atlantic influence, the region remains cool allowing white wine grapes to dominate the vineyards. The results of these grapes in such a cool maritime climate is energetic wines made with crystalline purity.  

The Cerdeira family's journey began in 1974 with a pioneering spirit that continues to shape Soalheiro today. Their dedication to sustainable farming practices and a deep respect for the land are evident in every bottle.

Soalheiro's philosophy centers on capturing the true essence of the Alvarinho grape and its surrounding terroir. In the cellar, gentle winemaking techniques are prioritized to preserve the fruit's purity and freshness. The focus is on highlighting the natural character of the Alvarinho grape, rather than overpowering it with excessive intervention.

While many Alvarinhos are best enjoyed young, Soalheiro Alvarinho also exhibits potential for aging. With careful cellar storage, the wine can develop additional complexity and depth, offering a more nuanced and evolved profile.

Tasting Notes

 100%  Alvarinho. Displays a bright, lemon-yellow hue. Its aromatic profile is characterized by fresh and elegant notes, showcasing the inherent complexity of the Alvarinho variety. The palate is a vibrant interplay of intense tropical and mineral flavors, expertly balanced by a crisp acidity and moderate alcohol content.

Critical Reviews

White made exclusively from Alvarinho, without passing through wood, but kept in contact with the lees before bottling. Of excellent tipicity, it shows ripe white and stone fruits accompanied by floral notes and fresh herbs, which appear both on the nose and in the mouth, all supported and balanced by vibrant acidity and a firm, creamy texture. Fluid and pleasant to drink, it has a tense and persistent finish, with touches of citrus, peaches, chamomile and mate tea. Alcohol 12%. ~93 Revista Adega Magazine

Soalheiro Alvarinho has a bright, lemon-yellow colour. This wine is distinguished by its fresh and elegant fragrance, revealing the aromatic complexity of Alvarinho variety. The flavour has intense tropical and mineral notes that balance perfectly with the acidity and moderate alcohol content. ~90 Wine Spectator

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