Monção e Melgaço, inland dop subregion of vinho verde in north west Portugal on the left bank of the River minho best known for single varietal wines made from the alvarinho grape which flourishes in its relatively warm, dry, sheltered location. Substantial investment at Monção’s large co-operative and, since the late 1990s, a proliferation of quality-focused individual estates and privately owned brands have reinforced Monção e Melgaço’s reputation for making some of Portugal’s best white wines. While retaining the region’s freshness and distinction, Alvarinho wines here tend to be more muscular and fruity than Albariño from Rías Baixas across the river. Some wines can respond well to oak.
