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$34
Soalheiro grows Alvarinho in Melgaço, the estate that first planted the grape in this corner of the Minho. Primeiras Vinhas is barrel aged yet fresh at 12 per cent, showing citrus, white peach and a saline lift.
In stock
Description
Primeiras Vinhas is an Alvarinho from Quinta de Soalheiro in the Minho, in the Vinho Verde region on the Portuguese side of the river from Rías Baixas. The estate is central to the grape's history here, having planted the first Alvarinho vines in the Melgaço subregion in 1974 and released its first wine in 1982. Melgaço is the warmest, most sheltered corner of Vinho Verde, which lets Alvarinho ripen fully to citrus and stone fruit while the region's granite soils and Atlantic freshness keep the acidity high. The name Primeiras Vinhas points to those founding old vines. Unusually for the region this cuvée is barrel aged, which adds a little weight and texture, though at 12 per cent the wine stays taut and fresh rather than oaky, with the emphasis on fruit and minerality. Expect a nose of lemon and grapefruit over white peach and white flowers. The palate is dry and precise, with bright acidity, gentle texture from the barrel and a distinctly saline, mineral finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.
Additional information
A classic with clams, prawns and other shellfish, where the saline acidity works like a squeeze of lemon. It also suits grilled white fish and has the freshness to cut oily fish such as grilled sardines and mackerel.
