The Albariño grape is most closely associated with the Rias Baixas region of western Spain, but it is also grown just over the border in Portugal where it is called Alvarinho. We have been carrying Soalheiro’s delicious Alvarinho. ALLO is Soalhero’s less expensive blend of ALvarinho and LOureiro. It is clean, bone-dry, light, delicate, refreshing, and low in alcohol - perfect for casual summer sipping. The Alvarinho adds tropical fruit and structure, while the Loureiro contributes graceful floral and mineral notes. It is ideal as an aperitif or to accompany seafood and poultry dishes. Melgaço, the northernmost point in Portugal, lies just south of the Minho River that separates Portugal and Spain, and its vineyards are only a few kilometers from the Albariño vines of Rias Baixas. A range of mountains protects the region from maritime extremes while allowing for sufficient heat and sunshine (Soalheiro translates as “a sunny place.”). João Antonio Cerdeira planted Alvarinho vines in 1974 and built a winery in 1982, the first in Melgaço. The grapes for this wine come from several small vineyards planted in granite soil between 100 and 200 meters. Wine Advocate (Mark Squires): 92 $16 “The 2016 ALLO is a 70/30 blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro, unoaked, and coming in at 11% alcohol. (The name, of course, comes from the AL of Alvarinho and the LO of Loureiro.) This is a fine new brand from Soalheiro. Showing superb concentration, plenty of acidity, and that hit of ‘Soalheiro green,’ this is beautiful, lingering, tightly wound, and very invigoration. Indeed, it is simply intense in its youth, yet it is also perfectly balanced. I’m willing to bet that it will age rather well, too. There is no rush, but this will be a perfect wine to wake you up this summer. Drink 2016-24.”