Both Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes are planted in granite soil and come from terroirs ideal for their cultivation. The Loureiro grapes are influenced by the Atlantic, where temperatures are relatively low, preserving the grapes’ blossoming character. In contrast, the Alvarinho grapes come from the inland region, sheltered by the Monção and Melgaço mountains, resulting in dominant tropical fruit aromas.
Alvarinho contributes tropical fruit and structure, in contrast to Loureiro, which brings floral and delicate notes. Together, they create a lively yet elegant white wine. The moderately low alcohol content contributes to the wine’s balance.
The grapes are hand-harvested. After pressing and before fermentation, the must is clarified at a low temperature. Loureiro and Alvarinho ferment separately in stainless steel. Aging on the lees occurs before blending and bottling.
About Soalheiro
Quinta de Soalheiro is located in Melgaço, in northern Portugal, right by the Spanish border, protected from wind and weather by the surrounding mountains. Here, Soalheiro was the first producer to use the special Portuguese white grape, Alvarinho. The mountainous region ensures an optimal combination of life-giving rain and the right temperatures, while the grapes receive plenty of sunlight. This allows the grapes to thrive, producing vibrant and elegant wines that have become a hallmark of the region and the winery. It was here that João António Cerdeira planted the first Alvarinho vines in 1974. Today, Quinta de Soalheiro is a family-run winery that produces outstanding wines under the current manager Maria Palmira Cerdeira and her children, Maria João Cerdeira and António Luís Cerdeira, the estate’s winemaker. The name ‘Soalheiro’ aptly means “a sunny place” and refers to the Portuguese climate, from which the estate’s vines benefit. The mountains’ protection and the granite-rich soil ensure optimal conditions. The grapes are harvested in small boxes to avoid damage and are quickly transported to the winery. There, they are kept cool for 48 hours before pressing. The Alvarinho grape is, in fact, an older varietal that has proven its worth over the years. It forms the basis for many wines throughout the Vinho Verde region. The grape has a highly characteristic floral and fruity profile with notes of linden, peach, grapefruit, and apple, making it perfect for a classic, fresh Vinho Verde. In fact, the grape’s qualities are so sought after that it is also exported to more southern regions of Portugal, where it is blended with local grapes.
