From: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Blend: Alvarihno
Taste: Fresh fragrances of lemon citrus, orange tree blossoms, and Asian pear, finishing with a hint of tropical aromas. Reminiscent of rocky, salty shores and mineral-rich soils, the zesty citrus and the sweetness of white-fleshed fruit notes carry on to a gentle, lilting finish.
Pairing: Fantastic as an aperitif, this wine also fairs wonderfully well when paired with fish, poultry, salads, and Asian and Mediterranean delicacies and is a delightful companion to tapas. We’re sharing one of our favorites below; check it out!
Tuna-Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
By David Tanis
About. In Sobrado, on the edge of Valongo with the Paredes municipality (within the Vinho Verde DO), Quinta das Arcas is a manifestation of Esteves Monteiro’s vision from the early eighties. The inception of this vineyard was a transformational journey, with the founder embracing the consolidation of land and the infusion of modern agriculture. By 1985, the vineyards saw the conception of the first Arca Nova wines, setting the company on a relentless pursuit of quality and a harmonious dance with nature.
Located 2 km north of Quinta das Arcas, this estate is divided between Valongo and Paredes municipalities. This estate occupies an area of 80 hectares, which is planted with Loureiro, Arinto, and Alvarinho vineyards. With outstanding sun exposure, the slopes go down until the Ferreira riverbank. Quinta das Arcas produces 7 different wine varieties. Each one is unique and reflects the characteristics of the grapes and the terroir
Established in 2013, the Quinta da Costa vineyard is located in Sobrado on the left bank of the Ferreira river and is composed of 20 hectares on a hillside with a south and west aspect. The poor schist soils that characterize the spot are part of a unique terroir where the modern training and support system allows a full mechanization. The variety chosen was exclusively Alvarinho, tested with very interesting results in the neighbor Quinta das Gandra some years before since they share very similar conditions.
Vinho Verde, the region where this nectar is born, is unique, a secluded treasure in the Northwest corner of Portugal. It is a land bathed in the whispers of the Atlantic, shaping wines that boast of distinguished characteristics and are predominantly white, with native varietals adorning more than 90% of the production, reflecting a symphony of light and freshness.
Crafted by winemakers Fernando Machado and Henrique Lopes, this wine is a symphony composed with handpicked grapes from vines with low yields, whispering tales of skin maceration, floatation clearing, and temperature-controlled fermentation. It’s a melody refined with bâtonnage once a week for a month post-alcoholic fermentation, reaching the connoisseur after a minimum of two months of aging in the bottle, enveloping them in its 13.5% alcohol content and harmonious acidity and residual sugar levels.
