Get to know: Soalheiro Alma – The Pur Terroir Loureiro 2024
A precise and energetic expression of Loureiro from the northern reaches of Portugal’s Vinho Verde DOC.
Tasting Note
Soalheiro ‘Alma’ was created to speak purely of its grape and place, drawing freshness and character from Atlantic breezes, granite soils, and low-yielding vines. The result is a wine of tension, clarity, and unmistakable identity. Delicate yet vibrant, the nose bursts with floral lift – orange blossom, jasmine, and white flowers – layered with fresh green apple, Rocha pear, and a touch of tangerine zest. The palate is crisp, saline, and finely textured, balancing zesty acidity with subtle fruit sweetness. Long, refreshing, and beautifully precise.
Top food pairings:
- Fresh oysters or grilled prawns with lemon
- Light salads with citrus and herbs
- Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
- Soft cheeses with a gentle tang
Kate Says
“This is Loureiro at its purest – saline, floral, and full of verve. Compared with many examples from elsewhere in Vinho Verde, Alma feels sharper and more precise, closer in style to a fine Muscadet or even a Chablis than a simple summer quaffer. It’s a wine that shows just how refined this grape can be.”
Producer Info
Soalheiro is a pioneer of quality winemaking in Vinho Verde, famed for elevating the Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes to international acclaim. The Alma project takes their philosophy a step further – focusing on purity of terroir and varietal expression, crafted with precision in the far north of Portugal, on the left bank of the Minho River.
How it’s made:
- Variety: 100% Loureiro
- Hand-harvested grapes from granite soils and low-yielding vines
- Whole-bunch pressing to preserve delicacy
- Cold decantation for 48–72 hours
- Fermented in stainless steel at 14–16°C
- Aged on fine lees for a minimum of six months
Good to know:
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Region: Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal
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Style: White, still, dry
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Closure: Screwcap
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Vegan: Yes
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ABV: 12%
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Vintage: 2024
Why we love it:
Soalheiro Alma captures the Atlantic essence of Loureiro – taut, saline, and lifted, with real finesse. It’s more structured and mineral-driven than most Vinho Verde, offering something that will appeal to lovers of crisp, terroir-driven whites from France as much as fans of Portuguese freshness.