Nortico is from tiny vineyard plots in Monção and Melgaço, on the border with Spain's Galicia province - the best Alvarinho-growing area in Portugal. Unlike other wines from the larger Vinho Verde area, Nortico has no added CO2, making for a richer, fuller, well-balanced wine that showcases its maritime influence with a kiss of salinity on the finish. Albariño/Alvarinho is the grape to watch for ageworthy, world-class wines, and this is a perfect introduction.