Vinho Verde is Portugal’s largest DOC, with nine sub-regions within it. Monção and Melgaço are neighboring towns that hug the border with Spain, on the Minho River; immediately to the south is the mountainous Peneda-Gerês National Park. Soils are granitic and the climate cool, with warm days and cold nights facilitating a longer growing season—great for developing complexity.

Headquartered in Melgaço, the northernmost municipality in Portugal, Soalheiro was founded by João António Cerdeira in the mid-1970s, with the first branded wines released in 1982—making them one of the first to bottle under the “Monção e Melgaço” designation. They are Alvarinho specialists and produce a wide array of organically farmed still and sparkling whites from the variety.

Whereas mass-produced Vinho Verde is simple, tart, and slightly effervescent, this one has texture and leaves a lasting impact. Straw-yellow in color with fleck of green, it has aromas/flavors of yellow apple, citrus fruits, white flowers, sea salt, wild herb, and wet stones. Fresh, focused, and snappy, with mouth-watering freshness and a mineral finish.