Márcio Lopes is creating remarkable natural wines in Vinho Verde and Douro, showcasing his dedication to low-intervention winemaking since he began in 2010. Each year, he produces around 50 different wines sourced from over 200 plots, reflecting a commitment to old and endangered grape varieties, with 15 unique varieties discovered in Melgaço alone.
During a visit to Quinta do Paçô, a vineyard he has been rejuvenating for five years, Lopes shared the challenges of sourcing small vineyard plots in the region. While it’s difficult to piece together land as small as 1-2 hectares, his efforts have been fruitful. The 0.5-hectare Paçô vineyard, established in 1932, yields approximately 1,000 bottles and features traditional mixed planting alongside other crops.
The terroir of Melgaço, characterized by metamorphic granite, contributes to the wine’s concentration, contrasting with the heavier soils of Monção, which produce fruitier wines.
Featured Wines from Márcio Lopes
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Pequentos Rabentos Lote 3 2024 Vinho Verde, Portugal
5.5% alcohol; made from Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura. Fresh and tart with herbal notes; light and crisp. Score: 86/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Loureiro Cuvée 2024 Vinho Verde, Portugal
11.5% alcohol; sourced from 20-year-old vines. Lovely fruit intensity, direct and vibrant acidity. Score: 92/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Alvarinho 2024 Monção e Melgaço, Vinho Verde, Portugal
13% alcohol; low juice yields with a powerful blend of citrus, apricot, and cherry. Score: 93/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Atlântico Red 2023 Vinho Verde, Portugal
12% alcohol; a blend of various red varieties with juicy red fruit and elegant structure. Score: 94/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos O Caminho Alvarinho 2023 Vinho Verde, Portugal
13% alcohol; concentrated with minerality and a pure finish. Score: 93/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Vinhas Velhas Loureiro 2023 Vinho Verde, Portugal
12.5% alcohol; taut and fine, showcasing high acidity and a stony finish. Score: 94/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Azal Selvagem 2021 Vinho Verde, Portugal
12.5% alcohol; powerful with keen acidity and a fine, long finish. Score: 94/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Touché 2022 Vinho Verde, Portugal
12% alcohol; fine and pure with red cherry notes, demonstrating finesse. Score: 95/100 -
Pequenos Rebentos Viagem Ao Princípio do Mundo Alvarinho 2021 Monção e Melgaço Vinho Verde, Portugal
13% alcohol; powerful and structured with a salty tang and crystalline fruit detail. Score: 94/100
For more information about Márcio Lopes and his wines, visit MLW.