Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho, Monçao e Melgaço '25

Anselmo Mendes has been an important voice in northern Portuguese winemaking for more than three decades. Born in Monção into an agricultural family, he grew up surrounded by vineyards and homemade wine. After studying agronomy and winemaking in Portugal and France, he built his reputation through both his own wines and his work as a consulting winemaker. His personal project began in 1998 and has been instrumental in demonstrating the complexity, versatility, and aging potential of Alvarinho.

Monção and Melgaço sits at the northwestern edge of the Vinho Verde region and is considered the birthplace of Alvarinho. Protected from the full force of the Atlantic by the surrounding mountains, it is warmer and drier than much of Vinho Verde, with greater temperature swings between day and night. These conditions allow Alvarinho to ripen fully while retaining the bright acidity that defines the variety.

The 2025 Monção and Melgaço is made entirely from Alvarinho grown in sunny hillside vineyards planted on poor granitic soils. The grapes are harvested by hand early in the season to preserve their aromatic freshness. After a long, cool fermentation in stainless steel, the wine rests on its fine lees for several months, with regular bâtonnage adding texture and depth.

The wine has aromas of peach, citrus blossom, passion fruit, and wet stone. The palate is layered and vibrant, combining ripe orchard fruit with crisp acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. The finish is long, fresh, and beautifully textured. Drink it with grilled octopus and potatoes topped with olive oil and pimentón.