Soalheiro is one of the defining names of northern Portugal’s Monção‑e‑Melgaço sub‑region, the cradle of Alvarinho. Founded in 1982 by João António Cerdeira, the estate was the first in Melgaço to plant a dedicated, continuous parcel of Alvarinho—an innovation that helped shift the region from mixed‑crop farming to focused, quality‑driven viticulture. Today the third generation continues that spirit, farming south‑facing slopes protected by surrounding mountains, which create the warm days and cool nights essential for expressive, ageworthy Alvarinho. Soalheiro is now recognised as a benchmark producer, combining deep regional roots with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The estate’s flagship wine—nicknamed Clássico because it was the first Soalheiro ever bottled in 1982—captures the pure, archetypal character of Alvarinho from Monção‑e‑Melgaço. It’s fermented in stainless steel and matured briefly on fine lees to preserve clarity and freshness. Lifted aromas show the grape’s natural complexity, and a palate balancing tropical and mineral notes and clean, well‑integrated acidity. It’s designed to be both immediately enjoyable and capable of developing further in bottle.
