Monção is the most northerly sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC, which in turn
is in the most northerly province of Portugal on the frontier with Galicia. As this
terroir is also bordered by the damp, western coastal climate, the grapes grown
among the forested hillsides which line these misty valleys – are fast maturing,
white wine varieties. Moreover, the grapes are necessarily grown in an overhead
canopy style, that promotes good air circulation, lessening the possibility of fungal
disease which can be more prevalent with these elevated moisture levels.

This week’s recommended vintner is Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção,
based in the heart of Melgaço – a historical town whose intriguing stone walls
provide both the bottle’s namesake and graphic. Over the past several decades
in particular, they’ve achieved an enviable reputation as a consistent producer
of high quality wine – despite the numerous variables involved in sourcing grapes
from 1,700 individual growers, each of whom contributes from vine plots that
are typically only 2 acres or less.

Becoming a seasonal tradition, early springtime now sees DéClassé promoting
a Vinho Verde, though this year the LCBO release has come out a touch later.
This so-called ‘green wine’ (more likely to mean ‘young’) is built around a blend of
2 noble grape varieties: the indigenous, Portuguese Trajadura (15%) along with
the somewhat-more aromatic Alvarinho (85%). The latter has a distant Spanish
heritage from across the border – providing the characteristic spritziness and
contributing a slightly higher level of alcohol than is the norm for this delightful
wine style. Spring has sprung, so celebrate by uncorking some of this very bright
bottled sunshine to enjoy alongside patio brunch-fare!

MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE 2012
VINTAGES – LCBO Product #80374 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 14.95
12% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content Descriptor: D

Made in: Monção e Melgaço, Portugal
By: Adega Coop. Regional de Monção
Release Date: Apr 26, 2014

Tasting Note
This refreshing wine has aromas of ripe peach and apricot coupled with apple
flavours and a pleasing acidity and minerality. A natural compliment for seafood
of all kinds, also try with white meats, pasta and light cream or pesto sauces.