Aphros Melissae DOC 2021

Wine Description for Aphros Melissae DOC 2021 by Aphros Wine

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with waxy lustre and fine green reflections – a colour intensity rarely encountered in Vinho Verde and one that already hints at the concentration of this extraordinary Loureiro.

Nose

An aromatic kaleidoscope that far transcends typical Vinho Verde stereotypes: chamomile, fennel fronds and fennel seed meet honey pollen, marjoram and tarragon. White and yellow flowers join the composition, along with a stony minerality. On the fruit side, ripe mirabelle plums, medlar and juicy nectarines dominate – always sharply defined, never diffuse. A subtle spice of saffron and turmeric lends the bouquet an almost exotic note. Despite all its complexity, the nose remains concentrated, precise and distinctive – never cloying.

Palate

Compact yet delicate: the gentle phenolics envelop the mouth like a silken veil, without any bitterness. With a slender 11% alcohol and less than 1.5 g/l residual sugar, the Melissae presents itself with crystalline lightness – almost like chilled mountain water, carried by subtle fruit and spice. The aromatics of fennel pollen, flowers and stone fruit continue impressively on the retro-nasal. The wine combines power with dancer-like transparency: purist, refreshing, characterful.

Terroir & Origin

The Loureiro vines thrive in the Lima sub-region of Vinho Verde, south-facing and shaped by the Atlantic climate. The harvest took place on 21 September 2021 – a perfect moment of ripeness for this precision.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Partially destemmed Loureiro grapes, fermented in stainless steel, followed by three months on the lees in concrete – a vinification that promotes both clarity and texture.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With steamed sea bass with fennel, scallops with herb butter, goat’s cheese with honey or Thai curry with lemongrass – the Melissae accompanies dishes that demand finesse and aromatic complexity.

Special Features

This wine impressively demonstrates that Vinho Verde can be far more than a sprightly summer wine. Aphros Wine practises biodynamic viticulture and shows with the Melissae what potential lies within the Loureiro grape.