2024 Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas
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How fresh and juicy the wine is: acidity makes your mouth water. High acidity tastes lively and refreshing, low acidity soft and round.
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Body: medium-bodied. Fuller than most white wines from Vinho Verde; 13% alcohol.
Acidity: high. from the cool climate of Vinho Verde.
Aromas: flowers, green notes and stone fruit, typical of
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Log inHistory of Quinta de Soalheiro and owners
Quinta de Soalheiro was founded in 1974 in Melgaço, in the north of Portugal, on the Portuguese side of the Minho River. João António Cerdeira was one of the first winemakers in Portugal to recognize the potential of the Alvarinho grape. The first bottling under the Soalheiro label appeared in 1982. Since then, the winery has become a benchmark for high-quality white wines from the region. Today, the Cerdeira family—now in its third generation—runs the estate, focusing on sustainability, precision, and Alvarinho in all its facets.
Region, climate and location of the vineyards
The vineyards are located in Monção and Melgaço, a Vinho Verde subregion with a unique microclimate. Their location between mountains protects the vineyards from excessive rain and wind, while the Minho River provides cooling. The soils are predominantly granite, which gives the wines a distinct minerality. The Alvarinho vines used for this wine are over 40 years old and are located in the very first plots planted, hence the name "Primeiras Vinhas."
Grape variety and selection for Primeiras Vinhas
This wine is made entirely from Alvarinho, a grape variety that reaches its most aromatic and expressive form in Monção and Melgaço. For the Primeiras Vinhas, only old vines are used, ensuring low yields but high concentration and complexity. The grapes are organically grown and harvested by hand to ensure the quality of the fruit. Only the healthiest, ripest fruit is selected for this cuvée.
Harvest, vinification and aging
The grapes are taken directly to the cellar after harvest for a soft pressing. After cold fining, the juice ferments at a low temperature, partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in used oak barrels and large foudres. The wine then matures for approximately six months on the fine lees, with regular bâtonnage. This method enhances the texture and gives the wine additional depth without losing its fresh character. The oak influence is subtle and supports the structure without being overpowering.
Color, aroma and taste of the Primeiras Vinhas
The color is bright lemon yellow with light golden reflections. The aroma reveals an intense bouquet of peach, ripe apple, citrus blossom, and wet stone, delicately complemented by a light spiciness from the wood. The palate is rich and layered, with a full structure, lively acidity, and a distinct minerality. Ripe yellow fruit and a subtle saltiness make the wine exciting and complex. The finish is long, dry, and harmonious. A wine with length, elegance, and ageing potential.
Would you like to order wines from Quinta de Soalheiro online?
This wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. If you choose to collect your order in Dordrecht, you'll often receive an attractive discount. You'll see this discount immediately when you select "Collection" at checkout. We're located near the A16 motorway and offer ample parking. Click here for our address.
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Wine and food pairings with Primeiras Vinhas
Fried sole with beurre blanc and capers
The buttery sauce and salty note are perfectly balanced by the freshness and structure of the wine.
Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan cheese
The creamy texture and umami of the cheese complement the complex body of the wine beautifully.
Salmon tartare with lime and dill
The freshness of the wine cuts through the fat of the salmon and enhances the citrusy spice.
Veal steak with grilled zucchini and lemon butter
The wine's full body and fresh acidity provide a nice counterbalance to the mild, juicy meat.
Salad with goat cheese, walnut and honey vinaigrette
The salty and sweet elements in the salad are elegantly complemented by the rich fruit structure of the wine.
Baked scallops with celeriac cream and hazelnut
The soft sweetness of the scallops and the creamy earthy notes of celeriac find a beautiful balance with the lively freshness of this Alvarinho.
Character
The wine
- 100%
Origin
Bottle
Wine features
James Suckling
SOALHEIRO ALVARINHO MONÇÃO E MELGAÇO VINHO VERDE PRIMEIRAS VINHAS 2021
Score
91
This has aromas of peaches, apricots, mango stones and salted lemons. Fruity and fresh, with a medium body, creamy texture and refreshing finish. From old vines of alvarinho. Drink now.
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Quinta de Soalheiro is located in the northernmost point of Portugal, in the sub-region of the Vinho Verde area, called Monção e Melgaço. Protected by a mountain range in the north, the vineyards are ideally located for growing the Alvarinho grape, with just enough of everything: sun, heat and rainfall. It was these unique circumstances that led João Antonio Cerdeira to plant his first alvarinho vineyard here in 1974. João has since been succeeded by his children Luis and Maria, who have further developed and perfected the company. Everything is done here with a great sense of detail. The vineyards are cultivated organically and the winemaking process has only one purpose: to make pure and harmonious wines. Soalheiro has a great reputation both in Portugal itself and abroad.
Fris en rijk tegelijk, deze Alvarinho toont rijp steenfruit zoals perzik en abrikoos, frisse citrustonen, een subtiele ziltigheid en een romige textuur met duidelijke mineraliteit en levendige zuren. Die combinatie van fruit, zuurgraad en ziltigheid maakt de wijn uitmuntend bij witte vis, schelpdieren, zachte kazen, salades en vegetarische gerechten omdat hij vet en zout tegenwicht geeft zonder het delicate gerecht te overstemmen. Bereidingswijzen die extra goed werken zijn kort aanbakken of grillen van vis en coquilles, romige risotto of sauzen op basis van citroen en boter, en frisse bereidingen zoals ceviche of lichte vinaigrettes die de wijns frisse fruitigheid en mineraliteit versterken.
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