2019 Soalheiro Oppaco Tinto

History and background of Soalheiro

Soalheiro is located in the northern part of Portugal, in the Monção e Melgaço subregion. In 1974, João António Cerdeira planted the region’s first Alvarinho vineyard here. Its sunny location gave rise to the name Soalheiro, which means ‘sunny’. Today, the estate is managed by his children António Luís and Maria João Cerdeira, together with their mother Maria Palmira. Under their leadership, the estate has become a pioneer in organic viticulture in Vinho Verde, with a strong focus on sustainability, biodiversity and collaboration with local winemakers.

Minho Region and the Wine Climate

The Soalheiro vineyards are located in Monção e Melgaço, on the northern border with Galicia. This region is characterized by a unique microclimate, protected by the mountains and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is relatively mild with sufficient rainfall, warm days and cool nights. This ensures a slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in fresh wines with aromatic precision and a pronounced acidity. The soil consists mainly of granite, which contributes to the liveliness and finesse of the wines.

Types of wines and style of the house

Soalheiro has gained international fame with their white wines based on Alvarinho, ranging from tight and mineral to mature and wood-aged. They also produce sparkling wines, orange wines and, in recent years, red wines, such as the innovative Oppaco. This wine represents a new style within Vinho Verde: an elegant, gastronomic red wine that offers both freshness and structure.

Composition and production of the 2019 Soalheiro Oppaco Tinto

The 2019 Soalheiro Oppaco Tinto is composed of 70% Vinhão, 15% Alvarinho and 15% Pinot Noir. This special blend combines the robustness of Vinhão with the aromatic freshness of Alvarinho and the finesse of Pinot Noir. The Vinhão and Alvarinho are fermented together without skin contact, resulting in a lighter colour and softer tannins. The Pinot Noir undergoes a separate fermentation with skins, to give structure and depth to the wine. After fermentation, approximately 30% of the wine is aged for 12 months in used French oak barrels. The rest remains in stainless steel to preserve the fruity and fresh character.

Color, smell and taste of the Oppaco Tinto

In the glass this wine shows a bright ruby red color. The nose is refined, with aromas of ripe red berries, floral notes and a subtle spiciness. In the mouth the wine is light-footed but structured, with soft tannins, lively acidity and a long, mineral finish. The wood influence is subtle and integrates nicely with the fruity character of the wine. This wine is very suitable for a meal and is an excellent choice for those looking for a fresh but complex red wine.

Why order and store this wine?

The 2019 Oppaco Tinto is one of the most characterful red wines from Vinho Verde. The combination of grape varieties makes the wine distinctive: juicy, fresh and with an unusual depth for the region. Thanks to the partial wood aging, this wine has the potential to develop further in the bottle. Drink it now or let it age until 2030. A unique wine for the adventurous wine lover looking for elegance and terroir in a red wine from Northern Portugal.

Would you like to order Soalheiro wines online?

All Soalheiro wines are stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. If you choose to collect your order, you will immediately see a nice discount on the checkout page when you choose 'Collect'. We are located in Dordrecht, almost directly on the A16, with plenty of free parking. Click here for our address.
Full reviews from international wine journalists such as Parker, Suckling and Vinous can be viewed via the links next to the image. This is a free service for our customers.
Need advice on choosing the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier service – completely free for Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings for the Oppaco Tinto

The 2019 Oppaco Tinto is a versatile meal companion. Some suitable dishes:

• Roast duck breast with rosemary and caramelized onions
  The full mouthfeel and juicy fruit in the wine perfectly complement the rich, fatty meat and spicy notes of rosemary.

• Grilled lamb chops with fennel and thyme
  The structure of the wine holds up against the fat of the lamb, while the spiciness complements the wine aromas nicely.

• Baked salmon with lemon cream sauce and spinach
  The fresh acids and red fruit provide a nice contrast with the creamy sauce and accentuate the saltiness of the salmon.

• Risotto with wild mushrooms and a touch of truffle oil
  The earthy flavours of mushrooms and truffle are enhanced by the spiciness and depth of the wine.

• Wild boar ragout with blackberries and celeriac puree
  The robust structure of this wine matches the powerful character of game, while the fruity notes blend beautifully with the berry sauce.

• Stuffed peppers with goat cheese, quinoa and fresh herbs
  The wine's soft structure and lively acids make this a harmonious pairing with both the cheese and the fresh herbs.