Soalheiro, Terramatter 2023, Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal

This wine is made from Alvarihno, a grape variety known as Albariño over the border in Spain, which is just the other side of the Minho river from the Soalheiro vineyards. As in Galicia, the soils are largely granitic origin, but here the rainfall is a little more moderate and mainly over the winter, and the climate is protected by mountains. The variation in altitude provides a variety of different growing conditions for the vines and prevents fog building up which means less disease pressure. And the Minho river and its tributaries help create significant temperature variation between day and night which helps make fresh wines with moderate alcohol content and intense aromatics.

Terramatter is made from organically grown grapes from across the region. One third is fermented in stainless steel and kept on lees. Another third is fermented in traditional chestnut barrels from the Minho region. And the last third is fermented in concrete eggs, the shape of which creates natural battonage or lees stirring. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration. Pithy, textural, a touch tropical. A truly delicious expression of Alvarinho, perfect with seafood, particularly richer fish, or even cured meat, lamb, mushrooms and root vegetables.

Producer - Quinta da Soalheiro
Country - Portugal
Region - Vinho Verde
Variety / Blend - Alvarinho
Wine Style - White Wine
Farming - Organic
Vegan