Marcio Lopes
Márcio Lopes studied as an engineer, but cut his winemaking teeth working for two years with Vinho Verde master Anselmo Mendes in Melgaço. He then travelled to Australia where he made wine in Rutherglen and Tasmania, another cool-climate region, returning to Portugal in 2010 to start his own projects. He initially started working with Alvarinho and Trajadura (known as Albariño and Treixadura in Spain) from the sub-regions of Monção and Melgaço. These areas have a very particular microclimate, with slightly less Atlantic influence than the rest of the region - winters are cold with moderate rainfall and summers are hot and dry.
During 2016 he also started to grow and vinify local varietals Loureiro, from Ponte de Lima, and Avesso from Amarante. His winemaking is hand-off, he believes that if the fruit is good enough he will make balanced, quality wines that reflect his terroir. This seems to be working - his wines are distinctively fresh and vibrant, showing bright and clear typical variety aromas.