In the glass
Aroma: citrus, green apple, brioche lees, white flowers
Palate: citrus, stone fruit, fine bead, saline finish
Traditional-method 100 percent Alvarinho sparkling, zero dosage. Brioche lees over the saline Melgaço mineral spine; a serious aperitif and Atlantic-seafood bubbly.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters
Zero-dosage Alvarinho fizz with saline minerality is a textbook oyster match; brioche lees adds aromatic depth. -
Camarao da costa
Atlantic shrimp meets coastal saline bubbles; the wine's high-acid drive lifts the sweet shellfish flesh. -
Smoked salmon canapes
Citrus and brioche register partner cured fish and the fine bead refreshes between bites. -
Aperitif with almonds
Bruto Nature with stone-fruit aromatics is a serious before-dinner pour; the lees toast pairs with roasted nuts.
History
Soalheiro began experimenting with traditional-method Alvarinho sparkling wine in the late 2000s, launching its Espumante Bruto Nature as a zero-dosage style that showcases the variety's natural acidity and saline mineral spine. The estate now bottles a small range of espumantes from the Alvaredo home vineyards.
- 2008 — First Soalheiro Alvarinho Espumante released, anchoring a small traditional-method range
Facts
- Producer
- Soalheiro
- Grapes
- Alvarinho (100%)
- Classification
- DOC Vinho Verde - Monção e Melgaço
- Oak
- Stainless steel base wine; minimum 24 months on lees in bottle; zero dosage
- ABV
- 12.0%
- Price
- EUR 22 to 32 at retail
- Drinking window
- 0-7 from disgorgement
- First vintage
- 2008
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Soalheiro Espumante Bruto Nature
What does Soalheiro Espumante Bruto Nature taste like?
Citrus, green apple, brioche lees and white flowers on the nose; citrus, stone fruit, fine bead and a saline finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long lees-driven close.
When should I drink Soalheiro Espumante Bruto Nature?
Drink within 0 to 7 years from disgorgement. The 24-month lees ageing has already developed the brioche register; serve well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.
What grapes are in this sparkling wine?
100 percent Alvarinho from the Alvaredo home vineyards in Melgaço. The Bruto Nature style is zero-dosage so the Alvarinho minerality is unmasked.
What food pairs with this espumante?
Oysters, Atlantic shrimp, smoked salmon canapes and aperitif boards with almonds. The zero-dosage saline drive shines with raw and lightly cured shellfish.