Soalheiro Alvarinho Granit Vinho Verde 2023 750ml

Granit has a bright, lemon-yellow color, exhibiting elegant aromas with more mineral notes. The taste is crisp, dry, and persistent, with more earthy and stony flavors. There is a sensation of saltiness on the palate, reflecting the impact of the granite soils on Alvarinho.

With its mineral flavors and bracing acidity, Soalheiro Granit especially complements Mediterranean cuisine such as seafood, grilled fish, or oven-baked fatty fish. It also pairs well with white and smoked meats, mature cheeses, or delicate Asian dishes such as sushi or dumplings.

Granit is made from Alvarinho grapes from a specific selection of small vineyards planted in granitic soil. Today, these vineyards lie at around 400 meters in altitude in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. As the vineyard placement increases in altitude, the fruity characteristics of Alvarinho give way to more acidity and mineral notes. The parcels are chosen due to the minerality and less fertile qualities of the soil, causing the roots of the Alvarinho grapevines to root deep in the mountain slopes to find nutrients.

Wine Advocate Review:
The Alvarinho 2023 Granit comes from higher altitude vines at around 400 meters above sea level. This results in the wine having more salinity and verticality because of the altitude and the granite soils (it wears the subtitle “Mineral Selection”). It's tasty and has pungent flavors, depth and concentration but keeps lightness, elegance and freshness, moderate ripeness and alcohol (12.5%). It has a pH of 3.31 and 6.1 grams of acidity. It fermented at a slightly higher temperature, avoiding the excessive aromatic intensity of the grape and giving a more austere profile. Bâtonnage of three months provided good integration of the acidity. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2024. Anticipated Maturity: 2024-2033