Old vine elegance from the pioneers of Portuguese white wine. It was in 1974 that the Cerdeira family planted the First Continuous Alvarinho Vineyard in Melgaço. Primeiras Vinhas was born in this vineyard and the new vintage is a Commemorative Edition to celebrate the 50th Anniversary since the First Vineyard was planted.
Fresh, fragrant and gloriously complex, the Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas Alvarinho 2023 is a shining example of what the best Vinho Verde white wine from Portugal can offer. Aromas leap out of the glass – orange blossom, ripe peach, citrus peel, and wild herbs. On the palate, it's juicy and refined with apricot, peach, a whisper of spice, and a stony minerality that lingers on a long, structured finish. A gentle buttery texture adds richness without heaviness.
This old vine Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço is refreshing yet serious – perfect for sipping now, but it’s got the backbone to age gracefully too.
Top food pairings:
Seared scallops or pan-fried sea bass
Vegan risotto with fennel and lemon
Semi-soft cheeses like young goat’s cheese or a lightly aged Reblochon
“This wine’s got brains and beauty. It's bright and breezy enough to drink on a sunny evening but has loads going on underneath – like a good book you keep dipping back into. That lovely mix of zippy citrus, stone fruit and creamy texture makes it a real treat. It’s one of my go-to whites when I want to impress without being flashy. Plus, it’s vegan and downright delicious.”
The story of Soalheiro begins in 1974, when João António Cerdeira took a bold step – planting the very first continuous vineyard of Alvarinho in the Melgaço subregion of northern Portugal. Back then, locals scattered vines around cereal crops, but João saw the potential in Alvarinho as a serious grape and gave it its own space to shine.
That pioneering spirit is still alive and well today, 50 years on. Now run by his children António Luís and Maria João, alongside their mother Palmira, Soalheiro is a proudly family-run estate that blends tradition with innovation.
The Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas 2023 is their flagship – made from the original old vines and other plots over 30 years old, all organically farmed. It's a celebration of that very first vineyard, crafted with care and attention from grape to glass.
How it’s made:
Grapes are hand-picked from old vine plots, bringing intense flavour and structure.
85% of the wine is fermented in stainless steel to keep its freshness, while 15% goes into large old oak vats and used barrels, adding subtle richness.
Aged for six months on its lees (with regular stirring, aka bâtonnage), which brings lovely texture and depth.
The result? A beautifully balanced wine with energy, elegance, and the sort of layered character that only old vines and careful winemaking can deliver.
Read more about Soalheiro over at out blog here.
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