Soalheiro, 'Granit' Alvarinho, 2025, Vinho Verde DOC

'One-Liner'
A precise, mineral Portuguese Alvarinho with citrus freshness, subtle fruit and a mouth-watering saline edge.

Tasting Note
Bright lemon-yellow in the glass. The nose is elegant and restrained, with citrus, green apple, delicate stone fruit and clear mineral notes. On the palate it is dry, crisp and persistent, showing vibrant acidity, stony freshness and a subtle saline character. This is a more linear, mountain-influenced expression of Alvarinho, with less overt tropical fruit and more tension, texture and drive. A beautifully gastronomic white with real energy and precision.

Country: Portugal
Region: Vinho Verde DOC
Sub-Region: Monção e Melgaço
Grape(s): 100% Alvarinho
ABV: 12.5% 
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Soalheiro is one of the benchmark names of Monção e Melgaço, the northern Portuguese sub-region most closely associated with Alvarinho. This is a landscape where the grape can ripen fully while retaining the freshness and acidity that make the best examples so distinctive.
Granit focuses on a cooler, higher-altitude side of Alvarinho. The grapes come from small vineyard plots on granitic soils at around 400 metres, where the fruit expression becomes more restrained and the wine leans towards acidity, minerality and precision. Stainless steel fermentation keeps that clarity intact, while time on fine lees with bâtonnage adds structure without making the wine heavy.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Sea bass with artichokes

- Vegetarian: Fennel and ricotta tart with a lemon-dressed salad

- Vegan: Pea, mint and lemon crostini