# Conde Villar Alvarinho (NV)

- **Producer:** Quinta das Arcas
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, peach, apricot, blossom, apple, cream

## About this wine

Conde Villar is a prominent label produced by Quinta das Arcas, an estate founded in the 1980s by António Esteves Monteiro. Located in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal, the estate has focused heavily on modernizing viticulture and winemaking practices in the Minho region. This wine is a single-varietal expression of Alvarinho, the region's most celebrated white grape variety, known for producing wines with remarkable structure, vibrant acidity, and intense aromatic profiles.

## Interesting facts

- Quinta das Arcas was established in 1985 and has transitioned many of its vineyards to sustainable and organic farming practices.
- Alvarinho is famous for its thick skins, which protect the grapes from the high humidity and rainfall of the coastal Minho region.
- The Conde Villar brand is designed to represent the light, fresh, and artistic lifestyle of modern Portugal.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and vibrant citrus profile of Alvarinho cut beautifully through rich, oily fish and shellfish, while its medium body allows it to stand up to light poultry and creamy cheeses without being overwhelmed.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Conde Villar Alvarinho focuses on preserving the intense primary fruit characteristics of the grape. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and gently pressed. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures (around 14-16°C). The wine is kept on its fine lees for a short period to enhance mouthfeel and complexity before being stabilized, filtered, and bottled young.