Anselmo Mendes
Meet one of the Vinho Verde region's - & Portugal's - most important producers, Anselmo Mendes. Anselmo is affectionately called "Senhor [Mr.] Alvarinho", owing to his devotion to understanding this noble white variety. He calls himself a ‘student’ of this indigenous casta and is the 3rd generation of Alvarinho producers in the family. Since the 1980's, Anselmo has coupled this wine heritage with knowledge gained from having completed his Masters of Oenology in Bordeaux, where he explored in depth the use of skin contact and barrel with white varieties. Alongside Alvarinho, Anselmo uses other indigenous varieties in his wines, including Loureiro and Avesso in white wines, and Alvarelhão, Pedral & Cainho for the reds.
His expertise is held so highly that he even consults to many of the leading Quintas of the Minho and beyond, alongside the production of more than 20 of his own wines- white, red, rose & sparkling. As with all of DTF Wines' producers, Anslemo is a massive proponent of letting the vineyard tell the story, but his guiding hand lifts the fruit to a stunning level. In terms of range and price, these are the best value Vinho Verde wines in Portugal.
Os Vinhos…
The Wines.
Hands down the the best value Vinho Verde made
2023 Muros Antigos Escolha - DOC Vinho Verde
White wine made from a selection of the three best white varieties in the Region: Alvarinho, Loureiro and Avesso (20-40-40). Alvarinho conveys structure and body, Loureiro aromatic intensity and Avesso further fruit and minerality.
Grapes are handpicked into small boxes and carried to the adjacent winery soon thereafter. Grapes are destemmed before gentle pressing. Extreme cold must clarification, with a long fermentation at low temperatures (12-16ºC). Minimum 4-month ageing on fine lees with regular bâtonnage.
On the nose, lemon and green apple along with aromas of wet stone. A refreshing, mineral palate, with very good acidity, fruit-forward with sweet and complex citrus notes – notably tangerine. Persistent length, 12.5% ABV.
2022 Pardusco - DOC Vinho Verde
Pardusco was the name historically given to lightly coloured reds from Vinho Verde which were low in alcohol & both travelled and aged well. At this time, they did not fall under the Vinho Verde denomination and came to be known as Mature Wines of Monção.
Made from Alvarelhão, Pedral & Verdelho-Feijão, this red wine has the classic pale ruby colour and aromas of ripe red fruit and subtle spice. Vibrant acid profile on the palate, full of fresh red fruit, minerality and structure that can handle aged cheese, duck, poultry and tomatoes.
The grapes are hand harvest at perfect ripeness before destemming and a cold skin maceration followed by a long and low temperature ferment. Undergoes full malo. 12% ABV.