In the glass
Aroma: lemon curd, yellow peach, almond, wet stone
Palate: citrus oil, stone fruit, spiced lees, vanillin
Barrel-fermented selection from older Alvaredo vines that adds yellow peach, almond and spiced lees to the Soalheiro mineral spine; built for the cellar.
What it pairs with
-
Cabrito assado
The wine's barrel-derived weight and lees richness match roast kid; high acidity cuts the fat and lifts the herb crust. -
Lobster with butter
Yellow stone fruit and oak-fermented body partner the sweet shellfish flesh and emulsified butter sauce naturally. -
Roast turbot
Atlantic white fish with depth needs a structured white; Reserva has the texture without flattening the fish. -
Aged Sao Jorge cheese
Hazelnut richness in the cheese finds an echo in the wine's almond-and-spiced-lees register.
History
Soalheiro Reserva launched in 2003 as the estate's barrel-aged Alvarinho, drawing from the oldest Alvaredo parcels. Aged in old French oak with extended lees contact, it was among the first Vinho Verde Alvarinhos built explicitly for medium-term cellaring.
- 2003 — First vintage of Soalheiro Reserva launched as the estate's barrel-aged Alvarinho
Facts
- Producer
- Soalheiro
- Grapes
- Alvarinho (100%)
- Classification
- DOC Vinho Verde - Monção e Melgaço
- Oak
- Partial fermentation and ageing in old French oak barrels; further months on lees
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 30 to 45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2003
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Soalheiro Reserva
What does Soalheiro Reserva taste like?
Lemon curd, yellow peach, almond and wet stone on the nose; citrus oil, stone fruit, spiced lees and vanillin on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long oak-lees finish.
When should I drink Soalheiro Reserva?
Drink between 2 and 12 years from vintage. The barrel fermentation and old-vine selection give it the structure for ten years in a cool cellar.
What classification does Soalheiro Reserva have?
DOC Vinho Verde from the Monção e Melgaço sub-region, the only sub-region permitted to bottle as single-variety Alvarinho under the DOC rules.
What food pairs with Soalheiro Reserva?
Roast kid, lobster with butter, roast turbot and aged Sao Jorge cheese. The barrel weight and structure reward serious food matches.