Monção is the most northerly wine making sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC,
which in turn is tucked into the most northern province of Portugal. Here on the
frontier with Spanish Galicia, the agricultural terroir is influenced by the damp
coastal climate of the eastern Atlantic. The white grapes growing among these
misty, forested hillsides that line the Rio Miño river valleys are necessarily fast
maturing varieties. The vines are often pruned into an overhead canopy style
that promotes better air circulation between both the leaves and around the
fruit clusters; guarding against fungal diseases that can be more prevalent with
elevated and prolonged moisture levels.

This week’s recommended vintner is Adega Cooperativa Regional de Monção,
based in the heart of Melgaço, a still-vibrant historical town whose intriguing
stone walls provide both the bottle’s namesake and graphic. Over the past half
century, the 25 original co-op visionaries have achieved an enviable reputation
as being consistent producers of quality wine. This despite numerous variables
involved in sourcing grapes from an additional 1,700 individual growers, each
of whom contributes from very small plots – typically only one hectare or less.

Becoming a seasonal tradition, spring sees DéClassé promoting a Vinho Verde,
though this year’s familiar LCBO Vintages release of Muralhas de Monção has
arrived somewhat later. This particular Loureiro blend of so-called green wine
(more likely to mean young) is built with 2 noble grape varieties: the indigenous,
Portuguese Trajadura paired with the aromatic and slightly spritzy Alvarinho.
The latter’s heritage lies across the border in Spain and contributes slightly
higher alcohol levels than is the DOC norm for this wine style, clocking in at
12%. Summer has finally come, so celebrate by uncorking some of this bright,
ebullient bottling of sunshine – to enjoy alongside lighter food fare offerings at
your next al fresco meal on the patio!

MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE 2014
VINTAGES – LCBO Product #80374 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 15.95
12% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content Descriptor: D

Made in: Monção e Melgaço, Portugal
By: Adega Coop. Regional de Monção
Release Date: July 11, 2015

Tasting Note
This divinely fresh wine has aromas of grapefruit and apricot mingling about
apple flavours. With a pleasing structure of acidity and minerality, it’s a natural
complement to seafood, white meats, pasta and light cream or pesto sauces.