Valados de Melgaço

Founded in 2015 by Artur Meleiro, Valados de Melgaço continues generations of knowledge at Quinta de Golães, a working farm on the slopes above the River Minho. Vineyards between 100 and 200 metres on granite soils in Monção e Melgaço, Portugal's most prestigious Alvarinho appellation.

Artur farms with minimum intervention. His philosophy: Alvarinho at this altitude and on this soil speaks for itself. His role is simply not to get in the way. The wines are mineral-driven rather than tropical, with salinity, citrus pith, and stony precision. Decanter Silver. Multiple international gold medals.

Think of it as Portugal's answer to Condrieu, but almost nobody in California has discovered it yet. That's the opportunity.