This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Don’t miss the latest drinks industry news and insights Sign up for our award-winning newsletters and get insider intel and trends delivered to your inbox every week This Portuguese subregion has become the epicenter of super-premium winemaking in Vinho Verde with producers focusing on elegant Alvarinho offering depth of flavor and extraordinary ageability Tucked into the northernmost point of Portugal, right along the Minho River, is Monção e Melgaço one of the 9 subregions of the Vinho Verde demarcated region green region shaped by mountainous hillsides and tributaries like the Gadanha and Mouro rivers Monção e Melgaço has become the ultimate destination for super-premium white Vinho Verde wines with energy and elegance Though it does craft a range of wine styles Monção e Melgaço is predominantly known for its white wine production About 85 percent of the region’s wines distributed globally are whites made from grapes including Loureiro the Alvarinho grown in this tiny pocket of Portugal is one of the reasons for Vinho Verde’s rising popularity today “I think some of the best wines of Vinho Verde come from Monção e Melgaço,” says Alisha Blackwell-Calvert, the beverage director for Madrina in St who notes the subregion has a lot more to offer than consumers are familiar with “There’s a lot more concentration and beautiful wines besides that.” The greater Vinho Verde region might have more name recognition but Monção e Melgaço could be its most significant subregion And the reason for that starts with its history Winemaking in Monção e Melgaço dates back to the second half of 100 BCE Although the official record of the region doesn’t begin until the early 1900s pitchers for wine transport and other artifacts discovered by researchers over the years confirm the presence of wine in ancient times wines from Monção expanded beyond Portugal’s borders when it was traded with the English for cod particularly during times of war when wine supplies from France diminished when Vinho Verde was officially recognized as a wine region It was later renamed Monção e Melgaço to include the township of Monção and the town of Melgaço both of which exude growing conditions well suited to producing extraordinary Alvarinho wines Monção e Melgaço’s reputation for creating Alvarinho with vigor and complexity is thanks to the land from which the grapes are grown The subregion’s west side is surrounded by mountains that protect it from the Atlantic winds and eastern parts are nestled on slopes along the bay of the Minho River and summers are hot and dry—the perfect conditions for growing grapes with freshness and varying levels of ripeness “There’s protection from the Atlantic coast, so [grapes are] allowed to get riper,” says Jacob Brown, the beverage director of Lazy Bear in San Francisco “[They aren’t] just being blasted nonstop by oceanic influence kind of this Eden-esque spot with loads of history.” Granite soils dominate the subregion and influence the grapes’ flavor profile clay and rolled pebbles—found mainly in the Northeast—and shale strip in the central part of Monção e Melgaço play a role Although the terrain and climate resembles that of Rías Baixas—the Spanish winemaking region known for Albariño just on the other side of the border—the specificity found in Monção e Melgaço is in a league of its own Bottles from the region are marked with the Nature of Alvarinho seal a badge signifying the authenticity and quality of wines made exclusively in and with fruit from Monção e Melgaço Alvarinho produced in Monção e Melgaço has striking acidity the region’s wines go far beyond the stereotypical light quaffable profile associated with Vinho Verde winemakers intertwine innovative techniques with centuries-old practices to create white wines that “offer a lot of flavor and concentration,” says Blackwell-Calvert Wines from Monção e Melgaço can show great minerality like the Anselmo Mendes ‘Contacto’ Alvarinho 2022 which underwent a brief maceration before fermenting in stainless steel tanks and resting for three months on the lees with occasional bâttonage like Valados de Melgaço Alvarinho Reserva 2021 or the Quinta do Regueiro ‘Foral de Melgaço’ Old Vines 2022 Then there are the Monção e Melgaço wines that are just downright refreshing while still maintaining a core of complexity like Quinta de Soalheiro ‘Granit’ Alvarinho 2022 which Eichholz describes as the perfect “gateway wine” that could introduce drinkers to the world of white wine You have a depth of flavor to it and so much malleability with pairing,” says Eichholz It’s got all the qualities of a tasty summer day wine.” Wines from the region have remarkable aging potential “The voluptuousness that develops as the grape ages is a testament to what Alvarinho can do in the best conditions,” says Blackwell-Calvert One of the best attributes of wine from Monção e Melgaço is its pairing potential “This region has so much usefulness in a restaurant setting because [the wines are] ripe and fresh,” says Blackwell-Calvert “[Most restaurants] have some sort of seafood offerings on the menu Brown notes that the body and structure of Alvarinho allows it to pair well alongside heavier food options as well “These are super serious wines,” says Brown It hits on the acidity—the saltiness alone makes me happy to pair with any food.”  Monção e Melgaço should appeal to any consumer in search of white wines that deliver dazzling high quality you have this beautiful confluence of a grape that is also really malleable to a variety of different styles of winemaking,” says Eichholz “I wouldn’t be surprised if this truly becomes one of the great popular white wines over the next few years.” Don’t miss the latest drinks industry news and insights—delivered to your inbox every week PDO Santorini’s distinctive volcanic terroir the exceptional qualities of its Assyrtiko grapes and the unique vine-growing methods employed by its winemakers all contribute to the unparalleled character of its wines Italian icon Florio has both pioneered and perfected the famous fortified wine in the town of Marsala Masi produces their prestigious Costasera Amarone from top-quality vineyard sites and winemaking techniques winemaker Nicole Marchesi has helped usher Far Niente into the future while honoring the legendary winery’s roots Learn more about how Provi simplifies the complex process of ordering and promoting wholesale alcohol between buyers SevenFifty Daily is an award-winning online magazine about the business and culture of the beverage alcohol industry covering all three tiers of the alcohol industry New reviews of tasty reds, whites, rosé and bubbly, perfect for pairing with Mexican fare … Discover this New York region with these new reviews of delicious white wines from new and … Over 450 red, white and rosé sparkling wines from around the world were reviewed by Wine … Nearly 475 red and white wines from Oregon were reviewed by Wine Spectator senior editor … More than 150 wines from across the Brunello di Montalcino region of Italy were reviewed by … New reviews of well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, sparkling wine and more from … Portuguese winemaker Luis Cerdeira has left his family’s renowned Soalheiro wine company to establish a new Vinho Verde wine project with his son Manuel who built up Soalheiro for more than 30 years is known for producing diverse and experimental expressions of Alvarinho in its Monçao e Melgaço (MM) heartland located near the mountainous border with Spain’s Galicia He has sold his shares in Soalheiro to his mother and sister Cerdeira said his (as yet not officially named) new project which includes plans to build a new winery in the village of Melgaço aims to produce more refined and precise expressions of Alvarinho in MM we are discovering much more by gaining more knowledge about soils and the influence of soils and mountains on vines There are a variety of soils with different ages expressive wines with new dimensions,” Cerdeira told Harpers Cerdeira’s move comes amidst a growing investment appetite in the MM sub-region Having acquired Quinta do Hospital estate in 2017 Over the past two years Symington’s and The Fladgate partnership from the Douro have also acquired historic MM estates secured a joint venture to produce Alvarinho with Symington Family Estates has since 2018 invested close to €7m in 85ha of Alvarinho-led plantings on schist soils (hitherto its plantings have been on granitic soils) in a new vineyard located in Cabração Until 2021 Vinho Verde producers making Alvarinho outside MM sub-region were excluded from using the Vinho Verde DOC appellation and were obliged to use the Regional Minho appellation Aveleda has switched its premium range of wines into the Vinho Verde appellation “We’ve made a big bet on Alvarinho,” said Martim Guedes adding that blends would make up an important part of the company’s new wines Aveleda has tripled its vineyard ownership to about 450ha “We have bought more vineyards to control the terroir as we invest in our premium wines,” Guedes told Harpers Meanwhile Cerdeira said that his new project would go beyond Alvarinho to include the production of blends of Loureiro elegant and expressive naturally-balanced wines made from lower yields Quinta da Santa Teresa and Quinta da Lixa have transformed region with the production of premium white wines and pet-nats Alvrinho and Alvarinho-led white wine blends accounted for more than nine million litres of sales between 2000 and 2022 Alvarinho single variety wine sales more than doubled to four million litres during that period Despite the growing premiumisation of Vinho Verde wines some MM producers fear that blends of Alvarinho will be made across the Vinho Verde at lower prices This partly explains why winemaker Joana Santiago and newly appointed chair of the MM producer association is this year ramping up moves to create a new MM appellation within the Vinho Verde “Only with a DO Monção e Melgaço will we ensure that the value that our region has generated over several decades is not lost in time,” Santiago said who hatched the idea of an appellation said: “A small region like Monção e Melgaço has done a lot to promote Portuguese white wines – we have wines for different price segments and we have made the best positioned wines and ageing capacity – many producers have wines that can age up to 20 years These are important steps to affirm the region as a DO by having all these things that differentiate it from the rest [of the Vinho Verde].” “Alvarinho made here has more personality structure and a sense of place due to its natural conditions,” he added moves to create an appellation face strong opposition from influential Vinho Verde producers “We’re stronger together as a single appellation,” countered Guedes AWL announces creation of new global win... WSTA executive board gains three new mem... Christopher Delalonde joins Perfect Cell... Diageo GB announces new marketing and in... Viña Pomal launches first sparkling Rioj... Bodegas Baigorri partners with Top Selec... You can now view the latest Harpers supplement with our digital edition... View the Top 100 2024 competition results here.. Vergelegen – continuity and change on the Schapenberg Talking innovation and opening doors with LWC Koshu brings flavour of Japan to London Reh Kendermann: Sales Manager UK The A Coruña-based practice headed by Óscar López Alba has built new facilities for DFG Pavestone With a built area of 380 square meters and a material execution budget of 502,000 euros the construction is a shed that stretches in a north-south direction and contains offices and metal presents various kinds of stones and different finishes on the inside and granite lattices of a platinum blue tone on the outside there arent any match using your search terms The Symington Family and Anselmo Mendes Create a New Joint Venture to Distribute the Wines From the Historic Vinho Verde Estate – Casa de Rodas – and the Renowned Contacto Brand 2024 – The Symington family recently acquired an estate in the prestigious Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the  Vinho Verde DOC in northern Portugal – named Casa de Rodas The Symingtons will produce a range of  Alvarinho wines from the 27.5 hectare vineyard with legendary Vinho Verde producer Anselmo Mendes as winemaker The two families have now decided to create a new company to  distribute the wines produced from the property – the first of which will be made this year.   The joint venture will also acquire the renowned Vinho Verde brand The 100% Alvarinho wine has seen enormous success in Portugal and internationally and both  families believe it has great potential for further development “Monção-Melgaço has become one of the world-class white wine-producing  regions over the last few years I am very proud of playing a part in this success This partnership with the Symington family makes me very pleased because together we will  create greater value for our brands and contribute to the wider recognition of Monção-Melgaço wines.  Both our families share a passion for our own vineyards and select the best terroirs carefully My family owns three properties in Monção-Melgaço with a total of 60 hectares planted with Alvarinho with Quinta  da Torre being the largest viticultural area in the region.”   “It is with great pleasure that we make this announcement today We believe in establishing long-term partnerships with people who share the  same vision values and standards as us and we are proud to be working with Anselmo Mendes and his  family Anselmo has rightly earned his reputation as one of the most accomplished winemakers in Portugal and as a pioneer in the Vinho Verde region.”  “Contacto is a great example of an excellent Vinho Verde produced entirely from the Alvarinho grape variety It has good distribution in Portugal and  other international markets We believe that premium Vinho Verde has enormous potential in some key  export markets and we plan to use our international distribution network to help to expand the sales of a  wine that we consider to be the most famous premium white wine in Portugal.”  Commenting on Symington Family Estates’ ambition for still wines “We believe  that Portugal has huge untapped potential as a wine-producing country We are determined to be at the  forefront of strengthening its reputation particularly in export markets where many Portuguese wines are still under-represented We aim to be a leading premium producer in every region that we operate and we  are confident that these new investments in top quality Vinho Verde fill an important gap in our portfolio.” www.anselmomendes.pt/en  English and Portuguese descent have been port producers in northern Portugal since 1882.  For five generations they have combined their passion for producing fine wines and ports with a deep commitment to the  region’s land and people ten Symingtons work across their four port houses: Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s as well as their Douro wine brands –Quinta do Vesuvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano and Prats &  Symington (of Chryseia fame) In 2017 they launched a new venture, Quinta da Fonte Souto Symington Family Estates is a leading premium port producer and the leading owner of prime vineyard in the Douro Valley The family business is a founding member  of Primum Familiae Vini – an association of 12 European wine families – and in 2020 was voted in 7th place in The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands list by a panel of over 200 international wine experts organized by Drinks  International.  All Symington vineyards are sustainably managed under a minimum intervention certification and 130 ha are organically  farmed – the largest area of organic vineyard in northern Portugal The family has invested significantly in viticulture  R&D to adapt to climate change and have an ambitious sustainability plan with a series of public goals under the banner  of Mission 2025 In 2019 the company became a Certified B Corporation – the first wine company in Portugal to take  this step – joining a global community of businesses audited for the highest standards of social and environmental  responsibility Symington was named Ethical Company of the Year in The Drinks Business 2019 Green Awards.   © 2007 - 2025 | Wine Industry Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. Lacking a crown and subjects, one could be a land baron. The 74-acre rural estate includes 44 acres of vineyards, 20 acres of woods and 7.5 acres of gardens. There’s even a lake. The 74-acre estate has 44 acres of vineyards, 20 acres of woods, 7.5 acres of gardens and private ... More lake. One could be a museum owner. The grand Neo-Classical palace, built on the grounds of a farm and completed in 1834, was designated as a national monument in 1910. A century later, parts of it were opened to the public for tours. One could be a vintner. With fertile land and plenty of water, early owners produced wine for their own consumption and supplied local shopkeepers. By the mid-1970s, the winery had been upgraded, Alvarinho grapes were established and Palácio da Brejoeira wines became a commercial enterprise. The grapes, also known as Albariño, are green and produce a crisp citrusy white. The Portugal palace's grand design is credited to Portuguese architect Carlos Amarante, who was ... More influenced by English architecture. One could use the estate as a full-time residence. Inside the palace are private quarters where a previous owner lived. The granite, L-shaped palace has three boxy turrets but presents a symmetrical appearance from the front. Rows of arched windows unify the façade. The design is credited to Portuguese architect Carlos Amarante, who was influenced by English architecture. Among the lavish living spaces inside Brejoeira Palace is a king’s room outfitted with Empire-style ... More furniture. Among the lavish living spaces is a king’s room outfitted with Empire-style furniture. The opulent dining room is said to be where Portuguese president Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and Spanish ruler Francisco Franco once met. Bright murals, ceiling medallions and other exotic embellishments decorate the halls. Ornate scrolling defines the stairway banisters. A large library and a theater are among the public rooms. The opulent dining room is said to be where Portuguese president Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and .. More Spanish ruler Francisco Franco once met with gold gilded columns and a barrel ceiling The palace is available for purchase at slightly more than $28 million Portugese head of state Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, third to the right, stands with Spanish ruler ... More Francisco Franco, center, in Portugal in 1940. The closest domestic airport to Monção, which has such tourist attractions as museums, churches and a medieval castle, is 13 miles away. The international Santiago de Compostela Airport is about 57 miles by car. There are no restrictions to keep U.S. citizens from buying real estate in Portugal. Albariño vineyards on the grounds produce green grapes that create a crisp citrusy white wine No other Portuguese wine region has swept through the U.S But if the category first gained its reputation thanks to a specific light and fresh style in recent years a new star has emerged within the region: Monção e Melgaço even age-worthy expressions of the Alvarinho grape Arguably Portugal’s greatest modern success story, Vinho Verde wine has exploded in popularity largely thanks to its public image as a fresh easy-drinking reputation accounts for just one aspect of Vinho Verde’s identity and industry professionals has started to discover the wines of Vinho Verde are capable of so much more This transformation hinges upon a crucial realization Vinho Verde refers to a specific region of origin A verdant viticultural oasis tucked away in the hills of the Minho district in Portugal’s rainy northwest the area couldn’t be better equipped to produce an astonishingly diverse range of wines that rank among the world’s most versatile at the table And within that lush region sits Monção e Melgaço a special subregion sheltered from Atlantic influences age-worthy wines of great depth and complex minerality sometimes even matured in oak or subject to extended contact with the lees for an extra layer of texture The unrivaled variety of Vinho Verde derives from several key factors—not least of all the region’s unique roster of native grapes Here whites like Alvarinho (the star of the celebrated Monção e Melgaço sub-zone) share turf with red-skinned varieties like Espadeiro and Vinhão While blends predominated in the past (and remain extremely popular) a movement toward monovarietal expressions has recently upended the region’s trajectory and the Alvarinhos of Monção e Melgaço have become early standouts these wines signify the region’s current state-of-the-art “You have this new generation of winemakers in the region that is keeping up tradition while also bringing different ideas and a more evolved sensibility in terms of winemaking,” he says “They’re trying to express the identities of these different grapes not just as blends but increasingly as extremely high-quality monovarietal wines.”  As these sophisticated Monção e Melgaço wines make their way into the market the next chapter of Vinho Verde’s development is already being written Among the rich tapestry of various soil types and microclimates across the region as a whole the particularities of Monção e Melgaço imbue a unique signature to the local wine styles It all forms part of the wider evolution of a region that has emerged as a leading light of Portugal’s 21st century winemaking renaissance With a winemaking history that can be traced back to antiquity Vinho Verde is one of the oldest regions in Portugal Its earliest fans included none other than Seneca both of whom sang the area’s praises in their works northwestern Portugal’s spreading population led to an increase in viticulture viticulture became a key component of daily life in the region with demographic expansion and growing agricultural commercialization the cultivation of the vine emerged as a central area of economic activity for the region historical records show that Vinho Verde wines were among Portugal’s first exports to European markets (including England with the first references to trade appearing as far back as the sixteenth century Monção e Melgaço wines in particular were sought after by the English who would trade codfish for local Monção wine the effort to regulate and protect the region’s production standards—resulted in Vinho Verde’s demarcation as a wine region in 1908 eventually becoming an official DOC in 1984 The area of Monção e Melgaço—at that time just called Monção—was also recognized as an official subregion in 1908 Vinho Verde’s reputation rested primarily upon red wine—a situation that would continue through the 1960s accounting for around 85 percent of the area’s total output a seal of guarantee for Monção e Melgaço was approved and launched to better emphasize the connection between the region and the wines produced there This also distinguishes the wines that come from a specific and unique climate within Vinho Verde A driving force in Portugal’s modern wine industry Vinho Verde and Monção e Melgaço continue to pave the way for the future Encompassing more than 16,000 hectares of vines (the rough equivalent of 15 percent of the country’s total winegrowing area) in a part of northwestern Portugal traditionally known as Entre-Douro-e-Minho the Vinho Verde region takes the shape of a vast amphitheater extended outwards toward the Atlantic Ocean This Atlantic influence (and the frequent rains it brings) along with the cooling the east-west orientation of the Douro and Minho Rivers and the region’s signature granitic soils combine form an ideal incubator for a wide range of wine styles that share a unifying thread: the fruit-driven freshness and chiseled minerality that make them perfect emblems of contemporary taste the one particular subregion enjoys a unique confluence of environmental factors that set it apart from the rest of the region: the celebrated area of Monção e Melgaço it has been Vinho Verde’s epicenter of super-premium winemaking—and the latest generation of winemaking talent is making sure that Monção e Melgaço’s identity is being translated through today’s wave of subregion-specific wines that impart an indelible sense of place A product of its moderate Atlantic microclimate and pronounced continental influence winters tend to be chilly but markedly drier than the rest of Vinho Verde whereas summers can be characterized as hot and dry The other key aspect of the area’s identity is the presence of the Rio Minho and its tributaries which regulate temperatures during the growing season aromatic wines with great complexity and persistence of flavor Although these qualities manifest across the area’s wines as a whole terroir distinctions contribute to a wide range of variations within that stylistic paradigm the lower-altitude areas closer to the river (generally ranging from 50 to 150 meters in elevation) produce fruitier wines with less acidity whereas the higher hillside areas (which extend up to 350 meters above sea level) yield wines with greater minerality and a firmer core of freshness The soils of Monção e Melgaço are mostly granitic the area is known for producing plenty of crisp floral blends (usually composed of Alvarinho and Trajadura) designed for immediate consumption the subzone’s fame has always been synonymous with the incomparable depth and intensity of its prized single-variety Alvarinhos—the variety that almost always accounts for Monção e Melgaço’s most ambitious expressions the stylistic profiles on display encompass an enormous spectrum ranging from exuberant wines with tropical fruit flavors and aromas to more delicate and citrusy expressions focused on orange and tangerine-like notes the best of which can mature and improve in the cellar for decades the whites of Monção and Melgaço share certain important common denominators and extreme gastronomic compatibility that immediately conjures the territory in which they were born the area today contains a huge concentration of viticultural talent with more than 2,000 winegrowers carefully tending 1,700 hectares of vineyards annually For an area long defined by its artisanal approach many of these growers also produce their own wines Merging the latest scientific innovations with centuries-old practices inherited from their ancestors with a keen attentiveness to environmental sustainability and biodiversity they embody the image of a wine region that has deftly combined tradition with modernity Producers to look for include Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção  At a time when the wine industry’s obsession with native grape varieties has thrust Portugal into the spotlight Vinho Verde and Monção e Melgaço offer drinkers an array of discoveries no fewer than 45 indigenous examples are permitted in the area While it would be difficult to enumerate the specific qualities of each here are a few of the key players that contribute to Vinho Verde’s dazzling multiplicity of styles Though grown in other parts of Vinho Verde Alvarinho is the star grape of Monção & Melgaço riper fruit (sometimes veering toward the tropical side of the spectrum) and generally higher alcohol levels than many of the other grapes that call Vinho Verde home Ranging in color from a pale citrusy yellow to an intense straw huge the variety is known for its aromatic intensity and its intricately layered flavors of lemon developing passionfruit and even lychee-like notes in warmer vintages Alvarinho lends itself to a wide variety of winemaking techniques; more recently producers have started experimented with oak aging (resulting in mature orange and hazelnut notes) the variety consistently demonstrates great potential for storage and evolution in bottle developing complex secondary and tertiary flavors particularly prized among collectors thanks to its peach-like succulence and signature floral scents of honeysuckle where it’s able to retain a bright wash of acidity the grape historically figured into blends as a way to balance high acidity but when crafted with dedication and care it shows enormous promise on its own—hence the recent rise of premium monovarietal expressions Delicate in aroma and naturally low in acidity Trajadura tends to add body and alcohol to the region’s notoriously light As a potent emblem of Portugal’s progressive new era Vinho Verde remains at the industry’s cutting edge positioning itself as global leader for the 21st century and beyond the region’s current cohort of winemakers have made it their mission to prove that “green” means more to them than simply their region’s name Committed to the responsible stewardship of their land and increased environmental awareness the region is investing heavily in greater sustainability and focusing on terroir specificity mixing ancient methods with innovative and experimental techniques and biodynamic farming in order to promote biodiversity and ensure the health of their soils many have embraced a recent trend towards increasingly site-specific and often even single-vineyard expressions of Vinho Verde which telegraph the minute nuances of place Although the epicenter of this experimentation continues to be Monção e Melgaço Almeida anticipates that it’s only a matter of time before other subregions jump on board “I think we’re going to see this exciting movement toward terroir-driven single-plot wines spread across the entire region of Vinho Verde,” he says Alvarinho’s signature diversity is on even greater display today in Monção e Melgaço as the next generation of winemaking talent increasingly takes the reins within the past several years forward-thinking winemakers have taken to experiment with the variety using techniques such as oak aging and lees contact to radically expand its range of styles and intensity of flavor that these techniques impart “Alvarinho is a great vehicle for that kind of innovation because the variety itself is a very elastic grape that can mold itself to pretty much any style that you might want to make,” says Almeida tropical citrus and stone fruit aromas and flavors the top examples of Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço demonstrate a remarkable ability to evolve in the cellar “even after ten years or more,” according to Almeida the tower overlooks the far-reaching vineyards of vinho verde the piece aims to express the ancestral occupation of the territory in its architectural throughout the region’s history there has long been a desire to punctuate the horizon using ‘menhirs,’ crosses or towers all images by filipa frois almeida ‘the tower,’ developed as part of the ensemble of 10 landscape interventions of DESENCAMINHARTE 2018 serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of that intention integrated in its surroundings by its simple form and natural tone only from within can the visitor experience the project’s atmosphere — vibrant and with a climb to the top which reveals a framed view across the vineyard STILL urban design and artist miguel seabra realize ‘the tower’ with a tubular form constructed with prefabricated modular concrete rings the project seeks to offer an atmosphere of contemplation from the outside and an artful experience from within the studio establishes a formal connection with the region’s typical hill fort constructions which are similarly cylindrical and situated along the landscape’s high ridges and summits the form aims to establish a connection between earthly and spiritual elements the circle is the ‘total’ form — without beginning or end — and is commonly associated with eternity and the divine the simple geometry has long been symbolic of heaven in its connection to earth reflective of the link between spiritual and material realms authors: still urban design (architect), miguel seabra (artist) photography: filipa frois almeida AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style In the northwestern corner of Portugal, you will find Vinho Verde. The unique landscape marked by cool rainy terrains is producing a wide range of indigenous grape varieties showcasing the versatility of the region the character of each subregion showcases unique flavor profiles of each variety with their great combination of remarkable acid-driven varieties and nuances of terroir are showing that Vinho Verde is producing age-worthy wines that are standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best wines in the world The art of blending is a trademark across the country single-variety wines have been highlighting the region’s impressive potential paving an understanding of a sense of place Avesso is a found in the subregions of Baião packed with peach and orange aromas with persistent flavors of white plums and almonds Avesso is a rising star contributing to the diversity of Vinho Verde The most planted white variety in Vinho Verde Loureiro is better adapted to the coastal areas by the valleys of rivers in sub-regions like Lima Loureiro refers to “louro/laurel” as its aromas are deeply reminiscent of fresh bay leaf Loureiro shines with citrus fruit and green apple crisp wine with a seductive structure and natural well-balanced acidity Having previously lived in the shadow of Alvarinho Loureiro was traditionally blended with other varieties such as Arinto this monovarietal presents a diversity of styles from oak-aged to single parcel wines elevating its versatility and proving to be a cellar-worthy white wine Espadeiro’s fresh wild berry aromas with the floral and fruity notes of Padeiro Wines crafted with Vinhão are very food-friendly while Alvarelhão offers subtlety and elegance you will find the subregion of Monção e Melgaço The region is characterized by an amphitheater of sunny hillsides around the southern bank of the Minho river Monção is located lower by the Minho river while Melgaço is at slightly higher altitudes but the vines in each location flourish benefiting from the shelf of the mountain ranges creating an area with limited Atlantic breeze and rainfall naturally controlled humidity and temperatures Alvarinho is now found in other parts of Vinho Verde and in other countries but its pedigree is in the subregion of Monção e Melgaço The clusters of Alvarinho are small with medium-sized yellow to green berries at times with a pinkish hue when exposed to Monção e Melgaço’s sunshine Alvarinho delights with a wide aromatic range of orange blossom Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço showcases the quality and aging potential of the varietal SHOP THESE WINES even if you've been drinking the stuff for years And even if you know that you love a good sauvignon blanc or your go-to is a pinot noir each bottle can taste wildly different depending on the region And while it might seem like opting for the more expensive bottle is the number one way to guarantee the quality of what you're drinking That's why we love Wine Spectator's annual list an expert selection of the top 100 wines of the year which breaks down the publication's favorite whites and sparkling wines along with detailed descriptions of their flavor profiles features many bottles that are under $25—further proof that you don't need to break the bank to stock your home with high-end vino 9 Best Cheap Wines That Taste Expensive, According to Sommeliers Wine Spectator had a few options at the $15 price point: Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção's 2022 Vinho Verde Muralhas de Monção and Babich's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Black Label Vinho Verde is a Portuguese wine with growing popularity in the United States and this particular bottle has notes of apricot with a "hint of saline," if you're into that Babich's $15 Sauvignon Blanc shares notes of ginger and lemon but is on the sweeter side with mango and jasmine finishing out this "intense and generous" wine lovers of red wine are in luck: Wine Spectator had two picks one darker and richer in flavor while the other is medium-bodied For the darker option with notes of black cherry and blackberry you'll want to try out Castello di Querceto's 2020 Chianti Classico; for the lighter they recommend Morgante's 2020 Nero d'Avola Sicilia 8 Best Inexpensive Wines at Costco, According to Customers Wine Spectator had another 18 options that can satisfy just about any flavor profile you're looking for Their preferred reds include include classics like barbera listing Pico Maccario's 2021 Barbera d'Asti Lavignone ($20) Thorne & Daughters's 2021 Pinot Noir Cape South Coast Copper Pot ($21) Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes' 2021 Malbec Mendoza Reserva ($20) and First Drop's 2021 Shiraz Barossa Mother's Milk ($20) as well as Bela's 2021 Ribera del Duero ($20) Miguel Torres Carignan Maule Valley Vigno Vignadores de Carignan 2018 ($21) and Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel Alexander Valley ($24) options under $25 are most frequently going to be sauvignon blanc varietals and especially those from the Marlborough region in New Zealand These include Sarah Jessica Parker's Invivo's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough X ($22) Astrolabe's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2022 ($23) and Greywacke's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($23) For a more unusual white that still includes the sauvignon blanc grape Wine Spectator shouts out Dominio del Plata's 2022 Susana Balbo Signature Brioso White Uco Valley ($24) they have a favorite chardonnay and riesling too: Diatom's 2022 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($23) and Selbach-Oster's 2020 Riesling Kabinett Mosel ($23) If you're open to branching out from your typical white wine Wine Spectator also recommends Bisci's 2021 Verdicchio di Matelica ($24) and orangey" 2022 Kerner Alto Adige Valle Isarco ($22) aromatic" Moscatel Sierras de Málaga Botani Old Vines ($22) featuring a "chalky underpinning" and notes of lime blossoms if you're picking up some sparkling wine for a special occasion you can't go wrong with these two options for under $25: one cava pick Juvé y Camps' 2018 Brut Nature Cava Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva ($23) and one prosecco Mionetto Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($20) Check out the full list of Wine Spectator's top 100 wines in 2023 here and rest assured—that $90 bottle of wine taunting you on restaurant menus could easily be less tasty than any one of these picks Copyright 2025 Galvanized Media Eat This Not That is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family Aoife CarrigyThu 29 Feb 2024 at 03:30We Irish love Albarino and Albarino loves us: its spiritual home of the Atlantic-fringed Rias Baixas region in Galicia counts Ireland as the third-largest export market after the US and UK We can both afford to spread the love then Today’s selection of white wines features friends from inland Galicia and south into neighbouring northern Portugal a wonderfully food-friendly grape worth getting to know typically less fruit-forward but often with more volume and density that can be fleshed out by its natural affinity with barrel fermentation and ageing A recent tasting of Godello from Bodegas Valdesil of Vilamartín de Valdeorras in one of the best regions for this native Galician grape reminded me of how versatile and delicious it can be I’ve chosen a lees-aged introduction to their range of five available in Ireland or splash out on their creamy Pezas da Portela Godello (€53 a tribute to Portela village’s patchwork of 11 ‘pezas’ (small historic vineyards) Look on restaurant wine lists for Valdesil’s extraordinary barrel-fermented O Chao a wine that can stand proud beside top Burgundies and commands a price to match Any Godello from Rafael Palacios will be worth the spend 64 Wine) or its more accessibly priced sibling which I previously featured as my wine of the week (€26.50-€29 Ely Wine Store has an interesting selection from Adega Algueira in Ribeira Sacra including their barrel-fermented Escalada Godello (€48) and Cortezada blend of Godello with Albarino and Treixadura (€37) Fans of Treixadura should hunt out the warm and textured Dominio do Bibei Lalume White Ribeiro 2020 (€36.95 independents including Manning’s Emporium and Morton’s) for its floral For a very affordable introduction to Godello Dunnes Stores still carries the previously featured ripe broad yet zesty Paloma de Plata Godello (€14) is a Portuguese Alvarinho that is a guest wine in SuperValu’s annual Spanish and Portuguese wine sale that continues until March 20 I’ve also thrown in a Portuguese blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro a grape grown in the Vinho Verde DO and up in Galicia in DOs such as Ribeiro and which often brings a distinctive herbal character €31 From a family-run winery established in 1885 and today applying biodynamic practices to some of Valdeorras’s oldest Godello plantings Burgundy lovers should seek out their smoky but the lees-aged Valdesil from schist soils is a smart representation of the quality and finesse from their impressive range of terroir-focused Godello citrus blossom and delicate grapefruit zest €17.95 Lipsmacking Godello to stand up to spice or roast white meats thanks to toasty tropical fruit and a plump creaminess bolstered by four months on the lees yet with a stony minerality and lively acidity that sings with seafood €20.19 Super-fresh and mineral-driven with great concentration and power this satisfying Godello trips a pretty line between rich and bright toasty and mineral aromas and a profile that starts very lively on the palate and finishes silky and glycerol €18 Paco & Lola winery’s Lolo Albarino was named Ireland’s White Wine of the Year 2023; here they head to the Minho region Plump yet saline with wild oregano and balsam notes €10 Featuring in SuperValu’s annual Spanish and Portuguese wine sale until March 20 this juicy Alvarinho from the river-dominated subregion of Moncao e Moncago captures northern Portuguese sunshine with a ripeness balanced by Atlantic maritime freshness Think tomato-based stews or seafood risotto Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Sergio Pérez made history on Sunday by becoming the first Mexican-born Formula One driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix Pérez qualified for the third position and held on for the victory after the race reached its two-hour limit “It was really hard for me to think straight after the race I was full of adrenaline and so much energy going through the race,” Pérez said “Once I heard my national anthem on the podium here it hit me it is a dream come true for any driver in the world to tick that box in Monaco and I can just be extremely happy we kept our heads down and knew today with the right strategy we could make things happen “This win was for my mum and all my family she was very sick last week so I had very good motivation going into this race to get her a victory I am super happy for the whole Team and I hope my country are proud too You don’t win Monaco many times in your life so the first one is very special.” was among the many to congratulate Pérez after his historic win A huge congratulations from Julio Urías to @SChecoPerez on becoming the first Mexican driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix! 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/2O2Lw3numA — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 30, 2022 Pérez has earned 110 from seven races this year which puts him in third place in the drivers’ world championship standings after finishing fourth last year Pérez most notably won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last season and claimed four other top-three finishes Red Bull Racing announced Pérez signed a two-year extension to remain teammates with reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen through 2024 The team opened talks with Pérez earlier this month and said the deal was signed before the Monaco Grand Prix Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox Leading port house Symington Family Estates has partnered with winemaker Anselmo Mendes to produce Casa de Rodas Alvarinho 2023 The debut Vinho Verde bears the name of historic Casa de Rodas estate based in the Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC The 27.5ha property was purchased by Symington Family Estates in 2022 to produce wines from the estate’s Alvarinho vines originally built in 1566 with 100 years of winemaking hertiage Rupert Symington believes the new partnership with Anselmo Mendes will reap fresh rewards for the established port house “We are very proud to launch our first 100% Alvarinho wine and born from a highly valued partnership with one of Portugal’s most respected winemakers “He is an outstanding producer in this region represents the realization of a partnership that will undoubtedly be a success,” he commented sees the opportunity to produce Vinho Verde wines as an exciting prospect “the growth potential of Vinho Verde – particularly in the Monção and Melgaço sub-region – is very significant The partnership established with Symington in 2023 will be crucial in ensuring that this growth and recognition of the region becomes a reality.” The 100% Alvarinho wine was produced using manual harvesting complete destemming as well as gentle whole-bunch pressing in a pneumatic press The results are purported to be a sophisticated expression of the grape with floral and fruity notes as well as a strong through line of minerality Inter Milan vs Monaco predictions for this Champions League fixture Inter Milan face Monaco at San Siro on Champions League matchday eight with both teams aiming to secure direct qualification to the last 16 Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips When Inter Milan and Monaco face off at the San Siro in this pivotal Champions League group stage clash Inter Milan are riding a wave of momentum and seem destined to cement their place in the competition’s last 16 while Monaco face an uphill battle to sneak into the coveted top eight comfortably positioned in sixth place with a three-point cushion inside the qualification zone must defy the odds and secure a two-goal victory to leapfrog their opponents and keep their dreams alive Simone Inzaghi’s side have been clinical in Europe keeping an astonishing six clean sheets in seven matches thrashing Lecce 4-0 in Serie A last weekend Despite a morale-boosting 3-2 win against Rennes in Ligue 1 and an upset victory over Aston Villa The visitors’ record of just one win in their last ten Champions League away fixtures hardly inspires confidence Can Adi Hütter’s side find a way to break down Inter’s rock-solid defence Or will the Nerazzurri’s fortress hold firm once again carefully selected prediction for each match – quality over quantity is our mantra and the clear disparity in form and confidence between the two sides helping punters make informed decisions without unnecessary distractions Inter Milan’s imperious defensive form is impossible to ignore The Nerazzurri have made their home ground a fortress going 12 consecutive Champions League home matches without defeat they’ve managed five clean sheets in this season’s competition alone Goalkeeper Yann Sommer is on the verge of a club record for most clean sheets in a single Champions League season and Benjamin Pavard have been almost impenetrable effectively neutralising even some of Europe’s most formidable attackers Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram form a dynamic partnership capable of exploiting Monaco’s defensive vulnerabilities scoring in six of his last eight matches in all competitions Even with injuries to key midfielders such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu Inter possess the depth and quality to dominate proceedings with Nicolo Barella expected to return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend Monaco’s injury woes severely hamper their attacking potential The absence of Folarin Balogun and Wilfried Singo coupled with the likely unavailability of Denis Zakaria They have scored just once in their last two Champions League away games and their over-reliance on goals from defenders like Thilo Kehrer and Wilfried Singo further underscores their struggles Against an Inter side that thrives on suffocating opponents BettingTips4You.com expert John Pentin adds: “Inter Milan’s defensive structure is simply unmatched in this year’s Champions League coupled with their lethal edge in front of goal makes the -1 handicap an excellent choice.” Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox