Quinta da Pedra 'Graca da Pedra' Alvarinho

Quinta da Pedra “Graça da Pedra” Alvarinho is a refined, mineral-driven white from the Monção e Melgaço subregion of Vinho Verde in northern Portugal, one of the country’s most celebrated terroirs for Alvarinho. Produced from 100% Alvarinho and grown on pure granite soils, this wine combines fresh citrus, mandarin, stone fruit, saline minerality, and vibrant acidity with a silky texture and impressive length. The current U.S. importer release is the 2022 vintage, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format.

Process & Profile

Quinta da Pedra is one of the historic estates of the Alto Minho, with roots dating back to the 17th century. The property lies in the heart of Monção e Melgaço, a subregion especially renowned for producing structured, aromatic, and age-worthy expressions of Alvarinho. The estate covers approximately 155 acres / 53 hectares and is completely dry farmed.

The vineyards are planted on pure granite soils with gentle slopes that provide excellent natural drainage and favorable exposure. These conditions help Alvarinho retain its characteristic freshness and acidity while developing ripe citrus, stone-fruit, and mineral complexity.

The wine undergoes a lightly cooled pre-fermentation maceration, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. It then remains in tank for approximately 6 to 9 months before clarification, filtration, and bottling. This stainless-steel-focused approach preserves the purity of the fruit while allowing the wine to gain texture and aromatic complexity.

In the glass, Graça da Pedra shows a bright yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose is expressive, offering fresh citrus, mandarin, pear, peach, and stone fruit, with a subtle saline and mineral quality underneath.

The palate is medium-bodied, fresh, and silky, with vibrant acidity running through the wine from beginning to end. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit are balanced by fine mineral tension and a gentle saline character, giving the wine both richness and precision.

The finish is very long and mineral-driven, with lingering citrus, stone fruit, salinity, and clean acidity. Its freshness makes it immediately appealing, while the structure of Monção e Melgaço Alvarinho gives it the ability to develop additional complexity with bottle age.

What makes Quinta da Pedra Graça da Pedra Alvarinho particularly compelling is the combination of 100% Alvarinho, historic Monção e Melgaço provenance, dry-farmed granite soils, stainless-steel vinification, and naturally vibrant acidity. The 2022 vintage received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and 90 points from James Suckling, reinforcing its strong balance of freshness, texture, and mineral character.

Serve well chilled at approximately 8–10°C / 46–50°F. It pairs beautifully with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, lobster, sushi, ceviche, fresh salads, goat cheese, and lighter Mediterranean dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quinta da Pedra “Graça da Pedra” Alvarinho?
It is a dry white wine from Monção e Melgaço in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, produced entirely from Alvarinho grapes grown on dry-farmed granite soils.

What are the key specs of Quinta da Pedra Graça da Pedra Alvarinho?
The current U.S. importer release is the 2022 vintage, made from 100% Alvarinho, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml bottle.

What flavors characterize Graça da Pedra Alvarinho?
Expect fresh citrus, mandarin, pear, peach, stone fruit, saline notes, and pronounced minerality, supported by bright acidity and a silky texture.

How is Quinta da Pedra Graça da Pedra Alvarinho made?
The grapes undergo a light pre-fermentation maceration, gentle pressing, and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, followed by approximately 6–9 months of maturation before bottling.

What makes Quinta da Pedra Graça da Pedra Alvarinho special?
Its distinction comes from the combination of historic Monção e Melgaço vineyards, pure granite soils, dry farming, 100% Alvarinho, and a fresh mineral-driven style. The result is a polished Portuguese white with bright citrus fruit, saline minerality, silky texture, and a long, refreshing finish.