Melgaço: A Standout Wine Region in Portugal
Melgaço is a prominent wine region in Portugal, renowned for its high-quality wines and delicious cuisine. Here's some information about Melgaço's gastronomy, wine, and grapes:
Gastronomy:
Melgaço's cuisine blends traditional flavors from the Minho region with fresh local ingredients. Some typical dishes include:
Lamprey: Lamprey is a river fish found in the Minho River. In Melgaço, it's prepared "à bordalesa" style, cooked in a sauce made from its own blood, onion, garlic, and red wine.
Bacalhau à Moda de Melgaço: This dish consists of desalted cod cooked with potatoes, onion, peppers, and olive oil. It's a traditional recipe known for its simplicity and delicious flavor.
Sarrabulho: A hearty stew made with pork, rice, blood sausage, and spices. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, especially popular during local celebrations.
Melgaço Wine:
Melgaço is famous for being the birthplace of Alvarinho, a native white grape variety. Melgaço's Alvarinho is considered one of the best white wines in Portugal. It stands out for its elegance, freshness, and aromatic complexity. Some characteristics of Melgaço wine include:
Alvarinho Wine: Alvarinho wine is characterized by its intense aromas, with citrus, floral, and tropical notes. On the palate, it's usually fresh, balanced, and with refreshing acidity.
Designation of Origin: The Melgaço wine region has the "Vinho Verde" designation of origin, recognized for producing young and fresh wines. Melgaço's wine region is known for its granitic soils and Atlantic climate, ideal for cultivating Alvarinho grapes.
Alvarinho Grape and the Wine Region:
The Alvarinho grape is considered a jewel of Portuguese viticulture. It's a thick-skinned grape with low productivity, contributing to the high quality of the wines. The Melgaço wine region is characterized by:
Terroir: Melgaço's vineyards are located on terraces and steep slopes, maximizing sun exposure and drainage on the granitic soil.
Pioneers of Alvariño in the microclimate of Melgaço.
In addition to wine, they grow aromatic herbs, a deeply rooted tradition in the territory.
In every glass, the wine that we are.
Taste its scandalous alvarinho with hints of pineapple under the impressive dome of the winery.
