08 Soalheiro Reserva

2008 Quinta da Soalheiro, Soalheiro Alvarinho Reserva:
Just 1500 bottles produced. From the producers web-site: "Vineyard: the grapes are organically produced and harvest by hand from the old vines at Quinta de Soalheiro.
The microclimate that influences the production of Alvarinho grapes is very particular. Melgaço region, the northern point of Portugal, is protected by a range of mountains that create the perfect conditions of rainfall, temperature and number of hours of sunshine needed to the better ripeness of the Alvarinho grapes. The brand name – Soalheiro - arises from the excellent sun exposure of the vineyards bearing the same name - a sunny place.
2008 harvest is characterized by a slow maturation process with low temperatures during the months of August and September. The harvest occurred in the third week of September.
Wine: the grapes are harvested manually in boxes of small capacity and carried to the cellar in a short space of time. After the pressing and the before fermentation with controlled temperature, the must was decanted during 48 hours. The fermentation and aging take place in French oak (new and used), and remained in “batonnage” with fine lees until the end of August 2009." I've never tasted it before, but a fellow wine collector wanted my views on it. Pale golden, nose of tender white fish grilled with lemons, olive oil and butter. Minerals, all very subdued and refined. Like sitting on a (good) Mediterranean seafront restaurant. Fresh acidity, lovely balance, elegant and quite mouthwatering. Almost Chablis like, without the steelyness, oysters and lemon finish. Long. 91+