2024 Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Alvarinho

This is, of course, one of Anselmo Mendes's flagship wines: the 100% alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço. What makes this part of Vinho Verde so special is its proximity to relatively high mountains, providing greater protection from Atlantic influences. This warmth and less rain are ideal for ripening the alvarinho to perfection. The grapes for this wine are grown on the finest soils, on sunny slopes with poor, weathered granite soil. This results in a minerally wine with body and power, yet simultaneously a wonderful freshness.

The wine is made by direct pressing of the destemmed grapes. This is followed by a long fermentation at a temperature between 14°C and 20°C. It gains extra richness and structure by aging for at least another six months on the fine lees, the dead yeast cells, which impart additional flavors to the wine. In the glass, the wine is a bright straw yellow. On the nose, this Alvarinho from Anselmo Mendes has beautiful notes of tropical fruit, mango, flowers, and apple, with a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is soft and flavorful, opulent and invigorating, with yellow plums, lovely acidity, and a powerful, fresh, and minerally finish. Give this wine some time. It is certainly ready to drink, but with a few years, it will become even more balanced. A truly value-for-money recommendation for your wine cellar.