Quinta do Gradil Alvarinho 2022 – Portuguese White Wine from Lisboa
Quinta do Gradil Alvarinho 2022 is a crisp Portuguese white wine from the Lisboa region. Quinta do Gradil, an historic estate near Lisbon, crafts this single-variety Alvarinho wine. It’s labeled with “Bº LX” to highlight its Lisboa heritage. The wine is made from 100% Alvarinho grapes grown on clay-rich soils with Atlantic influence. This Lisboa region wine captures bright citrus character, as well as floral and spice notes, typical of top Portuguese white wines. At 13.5% ABV, it balances richness with lively acidity. In color, it’s a pale straw yellow.
The Quinta do Gradil estate, located in Cadaval at the foot of the Montejunto mountain, has a rich winemaking tradition dating back to the 15th century. This 2022 vintage reflects both heritage and innovation, offering excellent balance and structure.
Tasting Profile
On the nose, expect vibrant citrus: grapefruit and orange peel dominate, along with hints of nutmeg and toasted spices from barrel aging. The bouquet also shows delicate floral and tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied with “a lot of volume”, yet remains crisp. About half the blend was aged in oak, giving a subtle buttery and smoky oak flavor that enhances its complexity. Good acidity drives freshness on the palate. Critics note its pronounced minerality; one review describes this Alvarinho as having “excellent freshness and persistence, with a very present minerality”. The finish is long and clean. Overall, this Lisboa Alvarinho delivers a mouthwatering mix of citrus fruits, tropical notes, and minerality, very much like other premium Alvarinho wines.
Winemaking Process
The Alvarinho grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, with a portion aged in French oak barrels to enhance complexity. This meticulous process results in a wine that embodies the Atlantic influence and the richness of the Lisbon region.
Serving and Pairing
Serve Quinta do Gradil Alvarinho 2022 chilled (8–10°C) to highlight its fresh acidity. This versatile Lisboa white wine pairs beautifully with seafood and light fare. It is “perfect to pair with fish and seafood or salads”, making it ideal for grilled fish, shrimp ceviche, or sushi. It also complements steamed shellfish, chicken in creamy sauce, and mild cheeses. The bright citrus and herbal notes of this Alvarinho cut through rich flavors and refresh the palate.
Awards and Recognition
This vintage has garnered attention in the wine community, reflecting its quality and the winemaking expertise behind it.
Explore Similar Portuguese Whites
For lovers of Alvarinho wines, other Portuguese whites are worth exploring. For example, Soalheiro Granit Alvarinho a Vinho Verde Alvarinho, offers a bright lemon color and a saline, mineral-driven palate. The Spanish-grown (Rías Baixas) Camelias Sauvignon Blanc is another great choice, it’s a zesty white with green apple and floral aromas. The Douro’s Lacrau Moscatel Galego Reserve White delivers intense tropical fruit and floral notes with crisp acidity. All these wines, like the Quinta Gradil Alvarinho Bº LX 75cl, showcase the fresh, vibrant character of quality Portuguese white wines.
Wine Classification: Vinho Regional (IGP) Lisboa, a protected geographic indication covering Lisbon’s vineyards. This classification (Indicação Geográfica Protegida Lisboa) underscores its authenticity as a Lisbon white wine.
Alcohol: 13.5% (alc./vol).
Ideal Serving Temperature: 8–10 °C.
Awards: Scored 17/20 by Revista Grandes Escolhas.
Region: Produced at Quinta do Gradil, Cadaval in the Lisboa region of Portugal.
The use of both oak and stainless steel brings complexity while preserving varietal purity. The lees aging adds richness without overwhelming freshness.
For a bright fresh white wine with citrus and tropical notes and subtle oak character, Quinta do Gradil Alvarinho 2022 is an excellent choice. Its lively acidity and complex aroma profile make it a standout Portuguese Alvarinho, explore it alongside similar local varietals.
