Soalheiro's Origins
Soalheiro is a pioneer in Alvarinho wines, based in Melgaço, in the Monção and Melgaço valley. The journey began in 1974 when João António and Palmira Cerdeira, with João’s parents’ support, planted the first continuous Alvarinho vineyard on a sunny plot named Soalheiro. This venture evolved into a family passion, and in 1982, they replaced their red Ford Escort with a small winery, launching the Soalheiro brand—the first Alvarinho brand in Melgaço.
João and Palmira’s children, António Luís and Maria João, grew up among the vines and wine. After their studies, they returned to Melgaço to join the family business. António Luís, an oenologist, oversees winemaking, while Maria João, a veterinarian, manages viticulture and herbal tea production. Their dedication to quality and innovation propels Soalheiro forward, making it a renowned name in Alvarinho wines.
Soalheiro
Region of Vinho Verde
Soalheiro thrives in the Vinho Verde region, specifically in the subregion of Monção and Melgaço, renowned for its ideal conditions for Alvarinho cultivation. The name Soalheiro, meaning ‘sunny,’ reflects the excellent sun exposure of the vineyards surrounding the winery, a feature present in all their vineyards.
Located at Portugal’s northernmost point, Monção and Melgaço are shielded from Atlantic influences by mountains, creating perfect conditions for Alvarinho. The significant temperature variation between warm days and cool nights during maturation, along with a balanced mix of rain and sunshine, preserves the varietal aromas and the wine’s freshness.
The unique microclimate of Monção and Melgaço, characterized by cold, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, further enhances the distinctiveness of Soalheiro’s Alvarinho wines, making them a true reflection of their terroir.
Soalheiro Alvarinho – The “Clássico”
In 1982, the Cerdeira family introduced their first wine, Soalheiro Alvarinho, which swiftly became the quintessential expression of Soalheiro and a symbol of family viticulture in Monção and Melgaço. The 2023 vintage continues this legacy, showcasing the timeless profile and classic style of a monovarietal Alvarinho wine.
The 2023 vintage presents a bright lemon-yellow color and a fresh, elegant aroma, highlighting the Alvarinho variety’s complexity. On the palate, it offers intense tropical, lemon, and green apple notes, balanced with acidity and moderate alcohol content. The vinification process emphasizes the high quality of the grapes, with hand harvesting, low-temperature clarification of the must, stainless steel fermentation, and maturation on fine lees before bottling.
An Unusual Blend: Soalheiro Mineral Rosé
Soalheiro Mineral Rosé is an unexpected blend of Alvarinho and Pinot Noir, inspired by the light, dry rosés of southern France. “This wine was born out of the desire to produce a light, dry rosé, which would demonstrate the versatility of our territory,” says Luís Cerdeira.
The Alvarinho grapes hail from the high-altitude, granite soils of Monção and Melgaço, while the Pinot Noir comes from vineyards in the west of the Vinho Verde region, influenced by the Atlantic. This unique combination results in a wine with intense minerality and remarkable freshness.
The vinification process is methodical, with Pinot Noir harvested in August and Alvarinho in September. Each variety is pressed and fermented separately before being combined and aged in stainless steel for at least six months on the lees. The result is an aromatic, fresh wine with a mineral character and intense flavor.
Soalheiro Pet Nat Alvarinho
Looking at the sky is the oldest tool in winemaking. Soalheiro Pet Nat Alvarinho is a sparkling wine inspired by the Ancestral Method, showcasing natural movement and elegant bubbles. This innovative wine highlights the versatility of the Alvarinho variety, offering a relaxed and light take on sparkling wine. The labels evoke the movement of clouds, enhancing its charm.
What is a Pet Nat – Pétillant Naturel?
Pet Nat, or Pétillant Naturel, is a sparkling wine made using an ancient winemaking process known as the Ancestral Method. This process involves little intervention, with the wine undergoing its first fermentation in the bottle without dégorgement or added sugar. The fermentation of natural sugars completes in the bottle, resulting in its characteristic gas. Unlike other sparkling wines, Pet Nat’s gas comes from the first fermentation, and the yeast remains in the bottle, giving it a distinctive cloudy appearance.
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