Vineyards and winemaking
This Alvarinho comes from Quinta de Santiago’s family vineyards at Cortes in Monção e Melgaço, the northernmost and most highly regarded subregion of Vinho Verde for the variety. Atlantic rainfall meets warmer inland influence here, while granitic soils help give the wine its characteristic freshness and mineral drive.
The 2019 was fermented in stainless steel to keep the focus on Alvarinho’s fruit, acidity and sense of place. The restrained cellar approach allows the variety’s citrus and stone-fruit character to remain clear while giving it the structure needed to develop in bottle.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright lemon-gold, with crystalline clarity and a mature glint.
Nose
White peach, preserved lemon and lychee are joined by dried herbs, wet stone and a faint saline note.
Palate
Textured yet linear, with citrus peel, green apple and stone fruit carried by lively acidity. Bottle age adds subtle waxy and savoury detail without diminishing the long mineral finish. Mature whites can vary, so serve cool and open carefully.
Food pairing
Pair with grilled sardines, crab and brown-shrimp salad, baked hake with herbs or asparagus risotto. Its saline freshness also sits beautifully alongside oysters.
Background story
Quinta de Santiago has belonged to the same family since 1899. For much of that history the grapes were sold to larger producers, until Mariazinha Santiago encouraged her children and grandchildren to create a small estate winery under the family name.
Joana Santiago left a career in law to lead the project, working across generations to demonstrate the depth and longevity of Monção e Melgaço’s native grapes. Alvarinho sits at the heart of that ambition, interpreted with a light touch and a strong sense of family continuity.
