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The Moncão e Melgaco wine region is one of the most well-known winegrowing locations in Minho's Vinho Verde region in northernmost Portugal. Alvarinho grapes, their identity, and their character originated in this region before spreading to the rest of the Iberian peninsula. The region's viticultural tradition sprang up around the Minho river and its tributaries. The Atlantic Ocean has a strong influence on the Moncão e Melgaco wine region, keeping it cool at night and in the morning, allowing grapes to ripen evenly while retaining perfume and character. The region produces a variety of wine styles, but white wines are the most popular.

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Where is the Moncão e Melgaco wine region?

The Moncão e Melgaco wine region, located in northernmost Portugal, is a noteworthy region in the Vinho Verde wine region. The picturesque and fertile terrain around the Minho river adds depth and personality to wine production. The village of Moncão e Melgaco is bounded on the north and east by Rias Baixas, a Spanish territory, and on the south by Lima DOC. The wine region is home to around 49 independent wine estates and Chateaux, producing over 160 wines using traditional, organic, and biodynamic methods.

History of the Moncão e Melgaco wine region

The village of Moncão e Melgaco has a rich history of winemaking, which was mentioned 700 years ago. As the northernmost zone bordering Spain, the territory is also an important political point in the Iberian Peninsula. For most of the ages, the region has served as Portugal's first line of defense against the north. There are several historic city walls and castles that still stand today, revealing the city's strong roots as a strategic center for the Kingdom of Portugal.

The terroir and geography of the Moncão e Melgaco wine region

The vineyards of the Moncão e Melgaco region stretch from the deep valley's crest to the riverbanks of the Minho and its tributaries. The western mountains shield vineyards from the fierce winds of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a distinct microclimate in the region. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and wet. With towering mountains to the west dropping to low-altitude river margins, the region works as an amphitheater for vineyards. The soils in the area are predominantly granite-based, the result of millions of years of erosion. This naturally endowed region creates the optimum environment for cultivating outstanding grapes that yield excellent wines.

Popular grape varieties from the Moncão e Melgaco wine region

Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Albarino are the most planted grape varieties in the Moncão e Melgaço region. These grapes are either used as a single variety or in a blend to make excellent wines. On the nose, Monço e Melgaço wines frequently reveal tastes of green apple, yeast, or slate, as well as flavors of balsamic, yellow plum, or acacia. Monço e Melgaço has a great crispness in the mouth.

Food to pair with Moncão e Melgaco wine 

Lasagne con melanzane e ricotta

This traditional lasagna with eggplant and ricotta is a wonderful starter consisting of fresh and light ingredients like grilled aubergines, butter, pinenuts, tomato paste, olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, ricotta, and basil. Even in the heat, the lasagna exhibits Mediterranean qualities and is simple and quick to prepare. To make this simple recipe, cut the eggplants into slices and boil them till soft. Butter the eggplants and sandwich them with lasagne sheets and other ingredients. Before baking, drizzle with high-quality olive oil and top with grated cheese.

Pollo al ajillo

This Spanish traditional dish is simple yet tasty. Pollo al ajillo is cooked with chicken pieces marinated in a garlic sauce comprised of white wine, stock, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is flavored with bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. The chicken is pan-seared in garlic-flavored oil with herbs. After frying the beef pieces, add the garlic and white wine for glazing. The meal is served as a main course or as an appetizer at restaurants and taverns. The meal is typically served with vegetables and mushrooms.

Lechazo

Lechazo is a Spanish delicacy made from roasted suckling lamb that is aged 20-30 days and weighs between 5-7kg. The lamb can only be fed its mother's milk, therefore the term lechazo, comes from the word leche, which means milk.

Many Spanish restaurants and taverns now serve lechazo, roasted lambs in ancient wooden ovens known as hornos de lea.

Places to visit in the Moncão e Melgaco wine region

Palácio da Brejoeira

Palácio da Brejoeira is an 18th-century palace located in the town of Moncão in northernmost Portugal. This grand palace was built in neoclassical style and designed by Carlos Amarante and has been classified as a heritage site by the cultural ministry of Portugal since 1910. The palace features an L-shaped granite building with three independent towers. The palace encompasses a beautifully landscaped garden, forest, and 18 hectares of Alvarinho vineyard. The palace is open to the public which one must not miss while you are around the Moncão e Melgaco wine region.

Castle of Monção

The castle of Monção is a medieval castle built by King Denis of Portugal at the start of the 14th century in the Minho region in northern Portugal. The sole remnants of the ancient castle are two doors, some portions of the Medieval wall, and the Torre de Lapela Towers, which show off the coast of King D. Fernando's coat of arms. Many elements of the 17th-century castle, such as the Porta de Salvaterra Door and other bastions, still stand today. The remains of the Castle of Monção are a must-go place in the  Portuguese district of Viana do Castelo.

Frequently asked questions about Moncão e Melgaco

Where is the Moncão e Melgaco wine region located?

The Vinho Verde wine area includes the Moncão e Melgaco wine region, which is located in northernmost Portugal. The scenic and lush topography surrounding the Minho river adds depth and character to wine production. Moncão e Melgaco is flanked to the north and east by Rias Baixas, a Spanish region, and to the south by Lima DOC.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Quintas De Melgaco

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Moncão e Melgaco appellation?

The most planted grape varieties in the Monco e Melgaço region are Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Albarino. These grapes are used to make great wines as a single variety or in a blend.

What kind of wine is a Moncão e Melgaco?

On the nose, a red wine from the Monço e Melgaço region generally exhibits aromas of earth, or oak, as well as notes of tree fruit, spices, or citrus fruit. The red wine from the Monço e Melgaço region has a strong mouthfeel with a wonderful balance of acidity and tannins. White wines from Monço e Melgaço frequently reveal tastes of green apple, yeast, or slate, as well as flavors of balsamic, yellow plum, or acacia. Monço e Melgaço has a great crispness in the mouth.

What goes well with a bottle of Moncão e Melgaco?

Red wines from the Monço e Melgaço region pair well with dishes of beef, lamb, or game such as Mediterranean lasagna with ricotta, blanquette of lamb, or baked leg of daguet or roe deer.

How to pronounce Monção e Melgaço?

Monção e Melgaço is pronounced as "moh-NYOW ee mel-GAH-soh." The emphasis is on the second syllable of "Monção" and the first syllable of "Melgaço." The "ã" in "Monção" is nasalized, similar to the "an" sound in "can't," and the "ç" in both words is pronounced like "ss" in "pass."

What is the price of Monção e Melgaço wine?

The price of Monção e Melgaço wine can range from affordable options to higher-end bottles. It depends on factors such as the specific producer, vintage, and quality level.

Is Monção e Melgaço Vino Verde?

Yes, Monção e Melgaço is a sub-region within the Vinho Verde wine region in Portugal. It is known for producing high-quality Alvarinho wines, which are characterized by their freshness, vibrant acidity, and citrusy flavors. These wines often showcase the unique terroir of Monção e Melgaço, offering a distinct expression of the Alvarinho grape.

Map of Wineries in Monção e Melgaço

Discover the locations of wineries in Monção e Melgaço

Wineries in Monção e Melgaço