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2019 Soalheiro Alvarinho
95 DEC
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Review
A cooler than usual year, with perfect harvest conditions. Deceptively pale, indeed almost water-white, yet brimming with tropical fruit in the flamboyant nose and palate. Juicy, perfumed pineapple, passionfruit, lychee and nectarine cut with tangier greengage bite makes for a lively, persistent palate, with an edge of fresh fennel to the finish. Breezy, but concentrated. Vivid and very intense, with lipsmacking acidity.Drinking Window 2020 - 2032 Decanter
Decanter | 95 DEC
Critic Reviews
A cooler than usual year, with perfect harvest conditions. Deceptively pale, indeed almost water-white, yet brimming with tropical fruit in the flamboyant nose and palate. Juicy, perfumed pineapple, passionfruit, lychee and nectarine cut with tangier greengage bite makes for a lively, persistent palate, with an edge of fresh fennel to the finish. Breezy, but concentrated. Vivid and very intense, with lipsmacking acidity.Drinking Window 2020 - 2032
Decanter | 95 DEC
This is 100% Alvarinho and the perfect beach and poolside wine for summer. A beautiful aromatic nose of chamomile and spiced pears. Peaches and grapefruit on the palate with terrific minerality and a long finish. A great wine to pair with your favorite seafood dishes.
Wine & Spirits | 93 W&S
The 2019 Alvarinho, the so-called unoaked "classico," is dry (three grams of residual sugar and 6.9 grams of total acidity) and comes in at 12.5% alcohol. On paper, this has a somewhat crisper demeanor than the 2018. Due to more cool days in 2019 and a harvest in the first week of September, the winery said the acidity was slightly higher with lower pH, and in their opinion, that contributed to the profile of Soalheiro. Comparing this to the Granit, as always, leads you to two completely different wines. The Granit seems lighter, tenser and more energetic. It is precise and focused. This does all that too, but the balance with the fruit is different—often, I say better, but not this year. The expression of fruit here is pure Alvarinho, but the Granit is no slouch. This Classico is ripe but lifted, though. It's pretty tasty in its youth too. Like the Granit, though, this might be better next year—although this is more approachable. They both will age well, as the winery's track record in general has frequently demonstrated over the years. (I still like to stay conservative in the drinking windows. You might not think 11 years is conservative for a Vinho Verde, but here it might well be.) This looks terrific this year, and it's a typically super value.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RP
Decanter | 95 DEC
This is 100% Alvarinho and the perfect beach and poolside wine for summer. A beautiful aromatic nose of chamomile and spiced pears. Peaches and grapefruit on the palate with terrific minerality and a long finish. A great wine to pair with your favorite seafood dishes.
Wine & Spirits | 93 W&S
The 2019 Alvarinho, the so-called unoaked "classico," is dry (three grams of residual sugar and 6.9 grams of total acidity) and comes in at 12.5% alcohol. On paper, this has a somewhat crisper demeanor than the 2018. Due to more cool days in 2019 and a harvest in the first week of September, the winery said the acidity was slightly higher with lower pH, and in their opinion, that contributed to the profile of Soalheiro. Comparing this to the Granit, as always, leads you to two completely different wines. The Granit seems lighter, tenser and more energetic. It is precise and focused. This does all that too, but the balance with the fruit is different—often, I say better, but not this year. The expression of fruit here is pure Alvarinho, but the Granit is no slouch. This Classico is ripe but lifted, though. It's pretty tasty in its youth too. Like the Granit, though, this might be better next year—although this is more approachable. They both will age well, as the winery's track record in general has frequently demonstrated over the years. (I still like to stay conservative in the drinking windows. You might not think 11 years is conservative for a Vinho Verde, but here it might well be.) This looks terrific this year, and it's a typically super value.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RP
Wine Details for 2019 Soalheiro Alvarinho
| Type of Wine | Other |
|---|---|
| Varietal |
Alvarinho
: Along the rugged and storm battered coastlines of the Iberian Peninsula, hails a wine grape that has literally weathered the storm to become an icon of the region. The Albarino grape variety is native to the area in the northwestern corner of the peninsula but it is not clear which side of the border. As with most ancient grape varietals, there are many speculations as to its true time and place of origin; however it most likely originated in the area straddling the border between modern day Spain and Portugal during the time of the ancient Romans. Albarino is the shining star in Galicia, which spans the length of Spain’s southern coastline, bordering Portugal. It has greatly contributed to the region’s economical and agricultural growth and success. Among the many sub-regions, Rias Baixas has become one of Spain’s greatest success stories; the reputation of Rias Baixas as being the country’s top white wine region is intrinsically connected to its signature grape variety: Albarino. Over the past 40 years, Rias Baixas has become synonymous with Albarino, which accounts for over 90% of all plantings and covering 13,150 hectares (32,500 acres) of the region. With its expressive, site-specific and refreshing wines, Rias Baixas Albarino represents the pinnacle of what this increasingly popular grape can achieve. The terroir of Rias Baixas is perfectly attuned to the Albarino grape varietal: Atlantic influences combine with granite and schist soils to create the wine’s high natural acidity, citrus flavors and sea spray minerality (salinity). Coastal storms are not uncommon, bringing heavy amounts of rain, but also allowing for a steady and constant growing season. Vines are trellised high above head on Pergolas to help keep grapes dry and rot-free. This task is imperative as the small, thick-skinned grapes grow in tight clusters which demands maintaining and plenty of air circulation. Typical wine styles of the sub-regions can vary, though all tend to be bone-dry with a pale golden color, crisp acidity, with aromatic profiles of white peach, apricot, melon, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. Inland vineyards produce fruitier wines, while coastal vineyards produce wines with more salinity. Traveling south into northern Portugal, Albarino is referred to as Alvarinho. Despite the naming confusion between the two countries, genetic fingerprinting is identical. Both names are officially recognized by the European Union, France and the United States regarding plant propagation material and labeling. Albarino (Alvarinho) is one of a number of white grapes permitted in the Vinho Verde DOC (Portugal’s appellation system for agricultural products). The varietal spans 5,782 hectares (14,300 acres) of the region where it is mainly used as a blending agent. However, the smaller sub-regions of Moncao and Melgaco embrace the grape’s naturally high acidity and craft single-variety wines. A very unique process is implemented in which carbon dioxide is imbued, giving this style of wine an incredibly light, sparkling and refreshing mouth feel and sensation. The grapes used in this process are carefully nurtured to achieve optimum ripeness necessary for this style of wine. Rias Baixas and Vinho Verde have brought worldwide recognition to the Albarino grape variety, which is now gaining popularity in new world winegrowing regions, most notably, the Central Coast of California and Australia. Though it is thought to be one of the oldest varietals, having vines over 300 years old in some regions, Albarino is relatively new to the world of wine. |
| Country |
Portugal
: Viticulture has existed on the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern day Spain and Portugal) for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2000 BC. The country of Portugal, with its 250 native grape varieties, has a long and colorful history of viticulture and is renowned for its production of the world-famous fortified wines of Port and Madeira. Beyond these rich and intriguing styles, the country has become diversified, and is now being recognized for its refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, sparkling wines from Obidos and the warm reds from Douro and Dao. In the past few decades, Portugal has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in terms of viticulture and is becoming increasingly popular for its many wine styles. Portugal may not compare to neighboring Spain’s production rate, but in terms of quality, it can do more than hold a candle. Portugal’s production of Port is, without a doubt, its fame to claim and has brought global recognition; however Its recent renaissance and its incredible array of wine styles has helped to only bring more attention to the country’s wine industry. Its annual production of 600 million liters of wine from its 195,000 hectares under vine is an incredible feat for one of the smaller wine producing countries. Many of the key grape varieties cultivated in Portugal are considered native. Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Baga and Tinta Roriz lead the way and are the most popular and important grapes grown. Portugal’s temperate, predominately maritime climate and portfolio of terroirs is greatly conducive to vinification. Its many mountains, river valleys and limestone-rich coastal hills allows for a rich and diverse range of soils. The Atlantic influences the growing season which sees high levels of rainfall allowing for high yields. This can also be a detriment and an increased risk of fungal diseases. Coastal region winegrowers has have worked diligently to cultivated ventilated sites as well as high trellising methods to keep the grapes from developing bunch rot. The international wine market is becoming more cognizant of the many great wines coming from Portugal, from the reds of Douro and Dao to the red, white and rose from Vinho Verde, sparkling renditions from native varietals to the unprecedented and world-famous Port wines. International varieties (most of French origins) such as Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Portuguese soil. Despite the arrival of these varieties making a splash, and intrigue, Portugal’s long tradition of winemaking in the region has allowed winemakers to maintain a certain uniqueness in their wines. The Old Word nation of Portugal commands global respect and recognition for its many accomplishments and contributions to the world of wine. |
| Region |
Portugal
: This gorgeous region has been greatly underestimated in the past. Its natural virtues are now being transformed, enhanced and reinforced as Portugal undergoes a real winemaking revolution. Previously only known for Port, Madeira and the still white Vinho Verde, Portugal now offers a serious milieu of predominantly red, incredibly rich, dry, table wines from Dao and Douro. While the country doesn't have a terroir as diverse as some other regions, it is still vast and nuanced between the sandy, hilly coasts, mountains, and rich river valleys. Lots of rain in this maritime climate irrigates the abundant vintages that have to be protected from illness and rot, which seems to be no problem for Portugal, especially in recent years. The ambiance is perfect for some interesting native grapes that distinguish the region from the rest of the world. If you come across a superb Portuguese wine, read the label and don't see a single familiar word, this is why. Touriga Nacional is perhaps the most used grape in these red wines, featuring exquisite details of leather, delicate florals and spice. Portuguese wines often exhibit fantastic aging potential due to their strong tannic structure. Now is the perfect time to grab a bottle whether you plan to treat yourself immediately or hold for years to come. |
Overview
| Producer | Soalheiro |
|---|