Overview
Portugal's finest sub-region for white wine. Alvarinho (the same grape as Spanish Albariño) achieves greater ripeness and body in Monção's continental climate than in Galicia. The wines have more texture and age better — Portugal's answer to white Burgundy's richness combined with Atlantic freshness.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Pale lemon-green
- Nose
- Peach, Apricot, Lemon, Almond and White flowers.
- Palate
- Portugal's finest white — richer than Galician Albariño, minerally complex. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
AlvarinhoTrajadura
Aromas And Notes
PeachApricotLemonTropical fruitsAlmondWhite flowersCitrus blossomSea sprayHoneyAlmondToast
Terroir
Continental Atlantic — warmer and drier than the rest of Vinho Verde. Granite-rich soils.
GraniteSandy granite loam
Food Pairings
Bacalhau com natasGrilled sea bassArroz de mariscoAmêijoas (clams)
Notable Producers
- Quinta do Crasto (Vinho Verde), founded 1737 - Alvarinho Monção
- Anselmo Mendes, founded 1993 - Contacto Alvarinho
- Soalheiro, founded 1974 - Soalheiro Alvarinho