This harvest was characterised by high temperatures at the beginning of the vegetative cycle which allowed early flowering and presupposed an early harvest, however July was abnormally cold and August had mild temperatures which allowed the production of a balanced and aromatic Alvarinho. This harvest has a classic alcohol content for a Soalheiro keeping a good balance of acidity. The harvest was early and simultaneously longer than average, occurring essentially in the first two weeks of September.Soalheiro 9% is an Alvarinho with a sweetness that is different from the classic concept and that clearly shows us that wines with low alcohol content can have the same character and elegance as wines with high alcohol content. With residual sugar and lively acidity, Soalheiro 9% expresses the potential of the territory to produce naturally sweet wines, without the need for excessive ripening of the grapes, where the essential characteristics of Alvarinho, such as fruit and youth, are not lost. Soalheiro 9% found inspiration in the Riesling of Mosel, Germany, with the unmistakable touch of Alvarinho from Monção and Melgaço.

TERROIR
The Alvarinho grapes used in Soalheiro 9% come from small plots, located at an altitude of between 100 and 200 metres, and from vineyards planted on granitic soil. These are protected by a mountain range that gives rise to a very particular microclimate in this region of Monção and Melgaço, creating the perfect conditions of rainfall, temperature and number of hours of sunshine necessary for the optimum maturation of Alvarinho grapes.

VINIFICATION
The Alvarinho grapes were harvested manually with freshness and without over-ripeness because Soalheiro 9% is not a late harvest. The must, obtained by pressing the whole grapes, was decanted and fermented at low temperature. Fermentation took place in stainless steel but does not take place completely. This gives the wine a precise balance between sweetness and acidity and a low final alcohol content.

SUGGESTED ACCOMPANIMENT
Naturally, this wine is excellent at the end of a meal, alone or accompanied by a dessert. The balance between acidity and residual sugar means that this wine shines especially with more intense flavours, such as foie gras or a strong, salty cheese.