# Maria Bonita Nostalgia Alvarinho

- **Producer:** Lua Cheia in Vinhas Velhas
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, orange, blossom, butter, cream, honey

## About this wine

Nostalgia by Maria Bonita is produced by Lua Cheia in Vinhas Velhas under winemaking direction from Francisco Baptista. Originating from the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of Vinho Verde in Northern Portugal, this project pays homage to traditional regional practices. Sourced from old vines rooted in granitic soils under strong Atlantic influence, the wine represents a focused effort to showcase the texture, depth, and aging capability of the Alvarinho grape variety.

## Interesting facts

- Utilizes skin contact during fermentation with indigenous yeasts to honor historic Monção e Melgaço practices.
- 20% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and aged sur lie, creating a uniquely full-bodied Vinho Verde style.
- Crafted from old vines (vinhas velhas) planted in classic granitic soils influenced by Atlantic breezes.

## Food pairing

The high Atlantic acidity slices cleanly through rich seafood, oily fish, and aged cheeses, while the generous body and lees contact provide sufficient weight to pair alongside lighter white meats.

## Wine making process

Reviving historic regional techniques, winemaking begins with natural static cold settling and spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, along with skin contact during fermentation. 80% of the volume is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, while 20% ferments in used oak barrels. Following fermentation, the wine remains aging on its fine lees to enhance structure and palate texture prior to bottling.