It’s been a while since we tasted an Alvarinho (or Albariño) as exciting as this. It’s bone dry and completely still (just because it comes from the Vinho Verde appellation, it doesn’t mean the wine will always have spritz). There’s so much juicy intensity, it reminded us of a Grosses Gewachs Riesling, but with Atlantic flavours of lemon, grapefruit, and the salted rim of a lime and mint cocktail. The vines hang vertically between trees and poles (an ancient method known as ‘vinha do enforcado’), allowing for other crops to be grown at ground level. 13% alc. Drink now-2028. Organic (uncertified)

Press review:

The Wine Advocate: “Similar to the Loureiro, the entry-level Alvarinho 2024 Pequenos Rebentos Alvarinho is young, harmonious, varietal and fresh and comes from different vineyards—70% in Melgaço and 30% in Monção. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel where it matured with the lees and bâtonnage for five months. The palate is intense, focused, fresh and balanced, with a salty twist in the finish. It has good ripeness and balance, denoted by the parameters of 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.14 and 7.1 grams of acidity. It is approachable and harmonious and has potential to develop in bottle. Drink now-2031.“ 92 points