Quinta de Santiago Alvarinho "Vinha do Chapim" '21

Quinta de Santiago is a family-owned farm spanning 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres) along the banks of the Minho River in the Monção and Melgaço subregion of Vinho Verde. It has been in the Santiago family since 1899. For about 100 years, Quinta de Santiago’s main activity was the production of wines, olive oil, lupine, cereals, milk, meat, and fruit for self-consumption. Grapes grown in the vineyards were sold to large cooperatives in the region. This changed in 2009 and from the passion and determination of then owner, Grandma Mariazinha Santiago (age 86), her children, and grandchildren, a boutique winery was born. At the head of the family’s winery is Joana Santiago, a self-described “authentic Minho woman”—driven to honor her family’s heritage.

Joana is hyper-focused on sustainability and biodiversity. She has organized and leads a group of regional growers focused on water use and the preservation of local natural resources. Wines are fermented with native yeasts and the aim is to let this special land and fruit tell the story in the glass. It is hyper-organic holistically.

100% Alvarinho grapes from the special parcel named Chapim, alongside the old family house. Soil is clay, including rolled flint stones in alluvial terraces. Soft pressing, natural decanting. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel vat. Aging progresses for nine months on top of fine lees.