# Valados de Melgaço Alvarinho Reserva (2024)

- **Producer:** Valados de Melgaço Lda
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lime, lemon, peach, nectarine, apricot, blossom, herbaceous

## About this wine

Valados de Melgaço was founded in 2013 by Artur Meleiro. The Meleiro family grew grapes for three generations at Quinta de Golães, historically selling fruit in bulk before establishing their own bottling project. The name 'Valados' refers to the distinct parcels and terraces along the Minho River valley in Paderne, Melgaço. Nestled in a natural amphitheater shielding the vines from direct Atlantic influence, the estate benefits from warm daytime temperatures and cool nights, preserving vibrant acidity while achieving full maturity.

## Interesting facts

- 'Valados' translates to 'parcels' or 'terraces,' representing the 14 micro-plots curated across the estate.
- The Meleiro family grew grapes for three generations at Quinta de Golães before launching their own bottled wine.
- The vines are sheltered in a natural amphitheater, creating warm days and cool nights for ideal acidity.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and textured mouthfeel of this Alvarinho slice through rich seafood and white meats while mirroring lighter citrus and herbal preparation notes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested in small 25 kg crates and undergo de-stemming followed by pre-fermentation skin maceration to extract aromatics. Soft pneumatic pressing is performed up to 0.8 bar before static cold settling for 24 hours at 14°C. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats at 17°C. The wine is aged for 5 months in stainless steel with regular fine lees stirring during the first month to add texture without oak influence.