Luis Seabra Granito Cru Alvarinho 2022

"The 2022 Granito Cru Alvarinho comes from the 3.5 hectares of 20- to 25-year-old vines of Alvarinho that he has in Melgaço, the classical zone in Vinho Verde for the variety. The juice from the pressing of the full clusters was let to settle and fermented in oval foudres of different sizes, where it matured and then was fine-tuned in stainless steel for another six months. It has more of a Mediterranean nose, with aromatic herbs and dry hay notes, but it keeps the floral varietal character and a more austere palate, with fine tannins and a dry finish. It was a warmer year, better for whites than for reds, but the wines are more immediate, with slightly higher ripeness, 12.5% alcohol, but keeping good freshness and balance. Like all of the whites, it goes through full malolactic and spends two winters in the winery before it's bottled." -LG, The Wine Advocate 04/2025