SOALHEIRO 2024 ALVARINHO - MONCAO & MELGACO (VINHO VERDE)

This Alvarinho (aka Albarino across the border in Spain) comes from the prestigious Vinho Verde sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. It's the classic bottling from Soalheiro, medium-light in body, with the freshest character and a firm, brightly mouthwatering structure. You can find floral top notes (jasmine, orange blossom), a citrus, apple/pear core, and even tropical hints, but it's also intense with a zesty wash of smoky, saline minerality. Give this time in the glass to really open up (you can also pour into a carafe for 30 minutes or so!). Obviously this is perfect with seafood with plenty of fresh-squeezed lemon and herbs, lightly-dressed salads, and a lot of (mild) Southeast Asian/island cuisine!