2024 Soalheiro Granit Alvarinho

History of Soalheiro and the Cerdeira family

Quinta de Soalheiro was founded in 1974 by João António Cerdeira, the first winegrower to plant Alvarinho in the Monção e Melgaço region. The family business is now led by the third generation: António Luís and Maria João Cerdeira, together with their mother Maria Palmira. They combine tradition with modern, sustainable winemaking principles. Today, Soalheiro is considered a leading house for Alvarinho wines, with organic certification and a strong focus on terroir.

The Monção e Melgaço region and its unique climate

Located in the north of Portugal, on the border with Galicia, Monção e Melgaço distinguishes itself from the rest of Vinho Verde by its microclimate. Protected by the mountains and cooled by Atlantic influences, this region has mild summers and cool nights. This ensures a slow ripening of the grapes while preserving acidity and aromas. The granite soil in which the vines of Soalheiro are rooted contributes greatly to the refined minerality of the wines.

Types of Soalheiro wines and the style of the house

Soalheiro has become internationally known for its pure, characterful Alvarinho wines. The range varies from fresh entry-level wines to complex cuvées with wood maturation. Sparkling and orange wines are also made. Within this range, the Granit is a striking wine: very dry, mineral and gastronomic. This wine is specifically intended for lovers of refined, terroir-driven white wines without excessive fruit.

The grapes, harvest and vinification of the 2024 Soalheiro Granit

The 2024 edition of Soalheiro Granit is 100% Alvarinho, from high altitude vineyards at 300 to 400 meters above sea level. The vines are on poor, granite-rich soils that provide excellent drainage and mineral tension in the wine.
The grapes are harvested manually at optimum ripeness. After a soft pressing, the juice is clarified and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation takes place at relatively higher temperatures to bring out the structure and minerality. After fermentation, the wine matures for several months on the fine yeast cells ('sur lie'), without wood influence, to develop extra depth and texture. The wine will be bottled in the spring of 2025.

Color, smell and taste of the Soalheiro Granit 2024

In the glass, the wine shows a clear light yellow color with green reflections. The nose opens with aromas of wet stones, lime and citrus peel. No excessive fruitiness, but finesse and precision. In the mouth, the wine is bone dry with lively acids, a pronounced salty minerality and a refreshing length. The texture is refined, slightly oily due to the maturation on lees, but never heavy. The finish is long and pure, with an elegant bitterness that invites you to take another sip.

What makes this wine special?

Soalheiro Granit 2024 stands out for its terroir expression. In contrast to fruity Alvarinhos, the emphasis here is on tension, structure and minerality.

• Selected plots on pure granite soils

• High altitude vineyards for freshness and elegance

• No wood used, purely on stainless steel

• Perfect balance between citrusy freshness and salty depth
  It is a white wine that lends itself perfectly to gastronomic applications and can be enjoyed both young and after several years of bottle aging.

Why order and store?

The Soalheiro Granit 2024 is already accessible, but can easily be kept until 2030. The combination of acidity, minerality and structure ensures that the wine develops beautifully in the bottle. For lovers of dry, precise white wines, this is an excellent choice. Moreover, this is a wine that regularly receives high ratings from international critics and is considered one of the most characterful white wines from Northern Portugal.

Would you like to order Soalheiro wines online?

The Soalheiro wines, including the 2024 Granit, are stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. When you choose 'Pick up' during the ordering process, you will immediately see whether a nice discount applies. We are located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16, with plenty of free parking. Click here for our address.
The full reviews from international wine journalists such as Parker, Suckling and Vinous can be found via the links next to the product image. This service is available free of charge to customers of Grandcruwijnen.
Need help choosing the right wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier service – free for Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings with Soalheiro Granit 2024

The freshness and minerality of this wine make it extremely suitable for refined and pure dishes. Here are some inspiring combinations:

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and parsley
  The refined structure and citrusy freshness of the wine accentuate the delicate flavours of white fish.

• Risotto with fennel and shrimps
  The creamy texture of the risotto contrasts nicely with the acids in the wine, while fennel and shellfish complement the mineral character.

• Chicken fillet in lemon cream sauce with tarragon
  The spiciness and soft creaminess find a balanced counterbalance in the wine's crisp, dry style.

• Asparagus with beurre blanc and fresh dill
  The crisp acidity in the wine keeps the dish light, while the buttery sauce blends seamlessly with the subtle texture of the wine.

• Stuffed artichokes with goat cheese and green herbs
  This combination enhances the green, fresh tones of the wine and provides a slightly bitter accent that matches well with the aftertaste of the wine.

• Langoustines with lime butter and wild rice
  The salty character of the wine complements shellfish and crustaceans, while the acids provide a refreshing contrast to the butter component.