Soalheiro Reserva – Alvarinho 2016

Reserva started as an experiment in 1995, when Soalheiro was one of the first to explore the marriage between Alvarinho and French oak. After much experimentation, in 2006 we developed the style of Reserva that exists today. This wine reve als Alvarinho in its essence, as the used French oak barrels do not mask the characteristics of the grape variety. The nuances of the barrel are well integrated, complimenting the aroma and flavour of Alvarinho while adding a new dimension of structure and complexity.

Region: Monção and Melgaço, Vinho Verde DOC

Alcohol (%): 13,0

Total Acidity (g/dm3): 6,25

Residual Sugar: Dry

Grape Varieties: Alvarinho

pH: 3,3

Volatile Acidity (g/dm3): 0,29

(The values are approximate)

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Technical Sheet

Food suggestions

Soalheiro Reserva has enough character to be enjoyed with or without food. Due to its acidity and maturation in oak, it is a perfect wine to be paired with dishes traditionally more associated with red wines. When pairing with a meal, the best choices include fatty fish dishes, red meat, goat, lamb, turkey, duck, game dishes, chicken, and anything with mushrooms or in a cream sauce, but it also pairs well with Asian and Mediterranean gastronomies.

Tasting notes

Deep and bright yellow in colour, with an intense and striking aroma, it has a broad entry on the palate, body and elegance, with a remarkable harmony between the fruit of the Alvarinho and the complexity brought by the balanced presence of the wood.

Terroir

The Alvarinho grapes for Soalheiro Reserva come from vineyards in the valley, generally trained in an ascending system, exposing them to the sun and warmer temperatures. This gives the wine fewer aromatic components but more tannins and structure. This profile of Alvarinho is perfect for barrel fermentation, where the complexity associated with ageing is more important than aromatic intensity. The microclimate in this region is very particular, with mountains protecting the grapes from Atlantic influences.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand. After pressing, the must is clarified and then fermented with controlled temperature. Fermentation and ageing take place in French oak barrels with medium toast and a very fine grain. Each vintage, only 25% of the barrels are new. The rest are used from previous years, with some more than 20 years old. Several barrels were even used in the first experiments in 1995. Reserva ages in barrel for one year. The wine stays in contact with fine lees throughout ageing, and bâtonnage is performed to improve texture and complexity. This allows the aromatic identity of Alvarinho to be preserved, while also adding new dimension to the structure in the mouth.

This wine is produced in a way that is vegetarian and vegan friendly

Awards

92 Robert Parker Points
Mark Squires - The Wine Advocate 2020

Choice of the press 2020
Grandes Escolhas Magazine Awards 2021

Best Portuguese Wines
Grandes Escolhas Magazine Awards 2017

93 Points
Adega Portugal 2020 - Wine Guide

18 points
Grandes Escolhas magazine 2019

Vinho Grandes Escolhas 2017
Grandes Escolhas’ Magazine

Fruity and round, Alvarinho fermented in oak barrels

Soalheiro Reserva – Alvarinho 2016