Quinta de Soalheiro 2015 Alvarinho

Quinta de Soalheiro 2015 Alvarinho

Melgaço-Monção, Minho, Portugal

ON $27 consignment

Top Vinho Verde producer, Soalheiro — meaning sunny place — sources its entry level Alvarinho from several small vineyards planted at the northern point of Portugal. Don't be fooled by the "entry level" designation. This is benchmark stuff. Part of the dress circle of Vinho Verde vineyards, in the granite soils of the Melgaço region, at elevations between 100 and 200 metres, in an area is protected by a range of mountains that moderate rainfall, temperature and sun exposure to bring Alvarinho to ideal ripeness levels. The strong 2015 vintage adds to the top quality of this elegant and intensely fruity wine that ranks as one of the world's finest whites. This was a go-to aperitif during a recent vacation in the Algarve, where it was widely stocked at restaurants and liquor stores, but sadly is harder to find here in Canada. Snag a bottle whenever you see one. Highly recommended.