# Adega de Monção Alvarinho (2025)

- **Producer:** Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, lemon, grapefruit, blossom, apple, pear, biscuit, bread, honey, dried apricot

## About this wine

Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção was founded in 1958 by 25 winegrowers in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço, the birthplace of the Alvarinho grape in Portugal. Today, it is one of the most prestigious cooperatives in the country, representing over 1,600 growers. The unique microclimate of Monção and Melgaço, protected by surrounding mountains, provides the perfect balance of rainfall, temperature, and sunshine, allowing the Alvarinho grape to develop its signature character, complexity, and mineral-driven profile.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1958, Adega de Monção is one of the oldest and most successful wine cooperatives in Portugal.
- Monção and Melgaço is protected by a ring of mountains, creating a unique microclimate with less rainfall and more heat than the rest of Vinho Verde.
- Alvarinho from this specific sub-region is famous for its exceptional aging potential compared to other Vinho Verde wines.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and vibrant minerality of Alvarinho make it an exceptional partner for seafood and shellfish. Its medium body and intense aromatics allow it to cut through rich, buttery sauces while complementing delicate, fresh fish dishes. It also pairs beautifully with fresh cheeses and light, herb-forward Mediterranean cuisine.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested manually at optimum ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, they undergo gentle pressing followed by static decantation. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (typically between 14°C and 16°C) to preserve the delicate primary fruit aromas. The wine is aged on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks before stabilization, filtration, and bottling, ensuring a fresh, vibrant, and pure expression of the terroir.