Soalheiro
The Reserve originated from an experiment in 1995 when Soalheiro was one of the first to test the combination of Alvarinho with French oak. After much experimentation, the Reserva style emerged in 2006, which continues to this day.
This wine reveals Alvarinho in all its essence, without the influence of the used wood masking the characteristics of this grape variety. The barrel nuances are very well integrated, complementing the aromatic profile of Alvarinho while adding a new dimension of structure and complexity.
The Alvarinho grapes for Soalheiro Reserve come from vineyards in the valley, namely from vineyards conducted in an ascending manner, allowing for greater sun exposure. This gives the wine less aromatic intensity but more tannins and structure.
Vinification: The grapes are harvested by hand. After pressing, the must is clarified, and then fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature. Fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels with medium toast and very fine grain. Of the barrel batch, 25% are new, the rest being used, and some were even used in the first experiments at Soalheiro in 1995. The wine ages for 12 months in oak barrels in contact with the lees, and bâtonnage is done to give it texture and complexity. Thus, we preserve all the aromatic identity of Alvarinho, adding a new dimension of volume in the mouth.
Soalheiro Reserve has the character to be enjoyed with or without food. The evolution in oak barrels and its acidity make Soalheiro Reserve a perfect wine to pair with dishes traditionally associated with red wines. It pairs perfectly with fatty fish, red meat, goat, lamb, turkey, duck, game dishes, chicken, or any other dish with cream sauce or mushrooms, but it also harmonizes well with dishes from Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
Awards:
Best of Portugal 2022 – Revista de Vinhos (2021 harvest)
Grand Gold – Concurso de Vinhos de Portugal 2023 (2021 harvest)
92/100 – Parker awarded by Mark Squires – The Wine Advocate 2020 (2018 harvest)
Press Choice 2020 – Revista Grandes Escolhas 2021 (2018 harvest)
Best Wines of 2019 – Revista Grandes Escolhas (PT, 2020) (2017 harvest)
93/100 – Best of the Year – Guia de Vinhos Adega Portugal 2020 (Brazil, 2020) (2017 harvest)
18/20 – Revista Grandes Escolhas (PT, 2019) (2017 harvest)
White Quiet Wine of the Year by winemaker W-Anibal Coutinho (PT) (2016 harvest)
19.5/20 – Best white wine – Clube de Vinhos Portugueses (2015 harvest)
Excellence Award 2016 by Revista de Vinhos (2015 harvest)
92/100 – Wine Enthusiast (New York) (2015 harvest)
Allergens information
Contains sulphites.
SKU: 101506
