# Sou Alvarinho (2022)

- **Producer:** Quinta de Santiago
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, grapefruit, passion fruit, lemon, apricot, cream, biscuit, butter

## About this wine

Sou Alvarinho is a 100% Alvarinho white wine from Quinta de Santiago, produced in the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of Vinho Verde, Portugal. It is a collaborative project between the estate and winemaker Nuno Mira do Ó, conceived from a friendship and a shared interest in rock music, aiming to capture an authentic expression of the terroir. Quinta de Santiago, established in 1899, has been exclusively producing its own wines since 2011 under the leadership of Joana Santiago, who balances tradition with modern approaches. The vineyard for this wine is situated on alluvial terraces close to the river in Monção e Melgaço, a region recognized as the prime area for Alvarinho cultivation in Portugal.

## Interesting facts

- A joint venture inspired by rock music.
- Vineyard located on river terraces.
- Uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation.
- Aged on fine lees for 9 months.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through richness and cleanses the palate, making it ideal for seafood and dishes with moderate fat. Its aromatic profile complements herbaceous and citrus notes in food.

## Wine making process

The Sou Alvarinho is produced using 100% Alvarinho grapes harvested manually. The winemaking process involves soft pressing and natural decanting. Fermentation is divided: 40% of the must ferments in used 400L barrels with spontaneous malolactic fermentation, while the remaining 60% ferments in stainless steel vats with a slow fermentation process. Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 9 months on its fine lees before bottling.