Quinta de Santiago Alvarinho "Vinha do Chapim" '22

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 intensely 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 through an organic holistic approach.

“Vinha do Chapim” is made from 100% Alvarinho grapes from the special parcel named Chapim, alongside the old family house. The soil is clay, including rolled flint stones in alluvial terraces. Vinification includes soft pressing, natural decanting, and fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel vat. The aging period lasts for nine months on the fine lees.

Beautiful aromas of lime, clementine, salinity, and fresh tarragon. On the palate it is bright and wiry, with citrus notes and stony minerality. This will transport you to a riverside patio during apéro hour, with a glass of Chapim alongside bolinhos de bacalhau (salt cod fritters) and dry-cured presunto. One can dream!