Voices of the Vineyard nr.1 - Soil and Climate

Miguel Monteiro
Apr 21
2 min read

Updated: Apr 22

Part of the “Voices of the Vineyard” series | Gema Wines

Before a bottle is opened. Before the grapes are picked or the juice begins to ferment.A wine’s true story starts much earlier — it starts in the land. And for Gema Wines, that land is called Monção.

Granitic Soils: The Soul Beneath Our Vines

In the lush valley of Minho, where Portugal’s north meets the sky, our vineyards grow in soils rich with crumbled granite. These light, well-drained soils don’t offer much — and that’s a gift.

Because when the vine has to work harder, the grapes speak louder.With roots that reach deep in search of water and minerals, the result is fruit with more character, more purity — and a beautiful sense of place in every sip.

Fresh Air, Morning Mist, and the Rhythm of the River

Monção sits in a very special spot. Cooled by Atlantic breezes and wrapped each morning in the gentle mist from the Mouro River, our vineyards enjoy a perfect balance of light and cool.

Warm days ripen the grapes slowly and evenly. Cool nights keep the freshness alive.

It’s this natural contrast that helps our Alvarinho stay vibrant, aromatic, and full of life.

Sunshine — Just the Right Amount

Sun is essential to make grapes grow. But too much can lead to flabby, heavy wines. In Monção, the sun shines softly — enough to ripen, but never to overwhelm.

That’s why Gema Alvarinho keeps its lively acidity, soft texture, and bright elegance. You can taste the sunshine, but also the shade. A delicate balance in every glass.