Grapefruit, apricot, dried herbs, green olives, limes and saltiness. This mouthwatering goodness is exactly what comes to mind when thinking of the coastal Alvarinhos from Portuguese wine godfather Anselmo Mendes – a pioneer for elegant, dry whites in the Vinho Verde region.
Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2023 is silky and fresh with terrific mineral texture thanks to time spent on the lees. From the northern tip of Portugal, this white wine sings with sushi, oysters, light salads and herby kabeljou (cod).
At only R195 per bottle, Anselmo’s crisp Muros Antigos Escolha 2023 is a dream. It’s an aromatic and exuberant blend of Alvarinho, Loureiro and Avesso, hand-picked and gently worked to maintain that beautiful purity.
Finally, we’re happy to introduce you to their Tinto Pardusco 2023 – a low-alcohol, crunchy red that will take you comfortably from spring into summer. ‘Such value for money’, this blend is ‘juicy, bright, pure and delicious’ (Jamie Goode).
Anselmo Mendes, locally known as Mr. Alvarinho, comes from a family of farmers in Vinho Verde. He started his eponymous brand in 1998 and won Winemaker of the Year from Revista de Vinhos the same year. They farm sustainably in all three Vinho Verde sub-regions, combining traditional and experimental methods in the cellar to produce Alvarinhos like you’ve never seen before. From long-ageing to skin-contact to single-vineyard triumphs – find the entire range here.
Tasting Notes:
Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2023
‘A pure, briny alvarinho with aromas of crusted salt, green olives, limes and grapefruit. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a sense of texture derived from aging on the lees. Bright and direct, with freshness and a pleasant, enveloping saline note. Drink now.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 91/100
Anselmo Mendes Tinto Pardusco 2023
‘12% alcohol. A blend of red varieties. This is the old name given to the red wines from the region, meaning light coloured, and these were exported to England back in the 14th century. This wine is a tribute to the style of those wines. This is juicy, bright, pure and delicious with a sappy green edge to the sweet cherry and raspberry fruit. There’s a slight herby edge which is appealing and really direct, light, expressive red fruit character. Such value for money.’ – Jamie Goode, Wineanorak.com, 93/100
