Soalheiro is a family-owned winery located in the Monção and Melgaço subregion of Vinho Verde, Portugal, renowned for producing high-quality Alvarinho wines from granite soils and a unique microclimate. Founded in 1974 by João António Cerdeira and now run by the third generation of the family, Soalheiro is a pioneer in Alvarinho cultivation and known for its commitment to innovation, organic farming, and sustainability, including projects to preserve cultural heritage and combat climate change.

The Monção and Melgaço wine region, located in the far north of Portugal, is renowned for its production of the distinctive Alvarinho grape. This region lies along the banks of the Minho River, which significantly influences its climate. It enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with cool, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, making it ideal for the production of fresh, aromatic wines. The soils are predominantly granitic, with some areas of schist, contributing to the unique mineral quality of the wines.

Alvarinho is the star grape of the region, known for its vibrant acidity, aromatic intensity, and floral notes. The wines produced here are typically crisp, with flavours of ripe citrus, peach, and tropical fruits, often accompanied by a subtle minerality. These wines are often described as having a full-bodied yet elegant profile, with a refreshing finish.

While Alvarinho dominates, other varieties such as Trajadura, Loureiro, and Arinto can also be found in the region. The wines of Monção and Melgaço are typically enjoyed young, though some can age gracefully, developing more complex flavours over time. The region is celebrated for its high-quality whites, making it a standout destination for wine lovers seeking fresh, aromatic, and flavourful Portuguese wines.

Albariño is a high-quality white grape variety originating from Galicia in northwest Spain, particularly the Rías Baixas region, where it thrives in the cool, damp Atlantic climate. It is also widely grown across the border in northern Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho and often forms the backbone of Vinho Verde wines.

Viticulturally, Albariño is a small-berried grape with thick skins, which help resist mildew and rot in humid conditions. It performs best in well-drained granite or sandy soils and typically produces low to moderate yields. The grape ripens early and retains high natural acidity, making it ideal for fresh, vibrant white wines.

Outside of the Iberian Peninsula, Albariño has gained international recognition and is now grown in the U.S. (particularly in California and Oregon), Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. In these New World regions, winemakers experiment with both unoaked and oaked styles, expanding the grape’s global appeal.

Albariño wines are typically aromatic and zesty, with flavours of peach, apricot, citrus, and green apple, often accompanied by saline or mineral notes. Styles range from crisp, unoaked wines perfect for seafood, to fuller-bodied examples with texture and complexity. Albariño offers freshness, elegance, and strong potential for further global growth.