Delving into the essence of Soalheiro: A unique Alvarinho wine infused with a clandestine Portuguese zest.
Hangin' out in Moncão and Melgacô is a must! These fabulous towns are packed with stunning views, hot springs, villages, and monuments. And let's not forget the incredible wines!
Have you tried green wines? They can be white, pink, or red, but they're called green because they come from lush, green surroundings. The Alvarinhos from Moncão and Melgacô share some common traits – a sweet balance, moderate alcohol content, and a crisp acidity. The result? A fruity, mineralized wine with an intense color, aroma, and citrus notes.
Did you know the recognition of this region's wine quality goes back to the 14th century? The English were all about it back then, trading it for cod!
The Cerdeira family was one of the pioneers in the wine business. In 1982, a visionary named João Cerdeira bought a hectare of vineyard in a sunny, protected area. He founded Soalheiro, the first Alvarinho brand in Melgacô, and started his empire from a garage!
Soalheiro's history is filled with twists and turns. The old red Ford Escort had to make way for the first casks, and the garage was transformed into a tasting room called The Origin. In 1989, Luis Cerdeira took the reins, continuing his father's legacy while studying oenology. His first vintage was in 1994, and the following year, he created a new market segment – the first sparkling wine!
If you've ever wondered about Soalheiro's environmental concerns, they started embracing organic farming in 2006 with quality as its selling point. Maria João, Luis's sister, pushed for sustainable agriculture, though they still needed to do plenty to make viticulture organic. That's because they believe in a concept of biodiversity based on vineyard fauna and flora, perfect for wine tourism!
Four years ago, they managed to certify the company in environmental, food, research, and development areas. Luis explains, "The winery has grown, and the fact we covered it with vegetation meant that energy had a 25% reduction." They're working on creating more environmentally-friendly packaging, betting on materials from sustainable forests.
Meanwhile, they're focused on making the territory economically viable while also being socially and environmentally sustainable. That's why they invest in the Enotur project, inviting people to visit the region and promoting sustainable eco-tourism.
Soalheiro seeks certified Denomination of Origin (DOC), which ensures adherence to specific guidelines, reinforcing the region's reputation for quality and authenticity. The winery is even studying a vineyard planted near Parque Peneda Gereș at a staggering 1100 meters of altitude, the highest in the country!
Luis Cerdeira welcomes the demand for premium Alvarinho wines, especially since the Alvarinho grape is the most expensive in Portugal. To illustrate this, he adds, "Currently, the Alvarinho grape is the most expensive in the country, and the price has been maintained even during the pandemic."
- Soalheiro's commitment to sustainability extends to their wine packaging, opting for materials from sustainable forests.
- The Enotur project, initiated by Soalheiro, promotes sustainable eco-tourism, inviting visitors to explore the region.
- In a bid to make the territory economically viable, Soalheiro also focuses on social and environmental sustainability.
- The winery is pursuing a certified Denomination of Origin (DOC), adhering to specific guidelines that reinforce the region's quality and authenticity.
- The highest vineyard in the country is being studied by Soalheiro, planted near Parque Peneda Gereš at an altitude of 1100 meters, a testament to their dedication to sustainability in tourism and sustainable living.
