Born in Monção, at the heart of Portugal's Vinho Verde region, Anselmo Mendes has rightfully earned the moniker "Mr. Alvarinho" due to his passion and dedication to this grape variety. And rightly so! He has spent over thirty years among the vineyards, blending the best of tradition with a modern touch, ensuring his wines perfectly encapsulate the character of the Monção and Melgaço terroir.
Yet Mendes is not one to rest on his laurels. He is constantly exploring new grape varieties, new ideas, and new corners of Portugal. In 2016, he took a significant step by acquiring the historic Quinta da Torre, an estate with viticultural roots dating back to the 14th century. There, he not only cultivates exceptional vineyards but also operates a living laboratory for experimentation with alvarinho, where innovation and research are daily pursuits.
And when we speak of his creative pinnacle… we speak of Anselmo Mendes A Torre, one of his top wines. Each bottle is the result of the most meticulous selection of the finest alvarinho grapes from the estate. Each vineyard is tended to throughout the year to ensure perfect ripening, and then the wine rests for 9 months in used oak barrels, gaining complexity without losing freshness or personality.
In short, opening a bottle of A Torre is like encountering Mendes in the vineyard: approachable, passionate, and full of life.