Anselmo Mendes

Anselmo Mendes began his wine studies in 1987 and produced his first wine, Muros de Melgaço, in 1998. That debut release demonstrated that Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço could deliver genuine complexity and age-worthiness, fundamentally changing perceptions of Vinho Verde. The Quinta da Torre estate, anchored by a 14th-century manor house, was fully acquired in 2016 and by 2017 represented the largest single holding of Alvarinho vineyards in the Monção e Melgaço sub-region. Mendes runs a family operation involving his wife Fernanda, his brother, and his son Tiago.

• Wine studies began in 1987; first wine Muros de Melgaço produced in 1998
• Quinta da Torre purchase completed in 2016; 14th-century manor house at its heart
• Largest Alvarinho holdings in Monção e Melgaço by 2017
• Family-run business with wife Fernanda, brother, and son Tiago

The estate spans three distinct Vinho Verde sub-regions, each imparting a different character. Monção e Melgaço contributes 60 hectares planted primarily to Alvarinho; granite soils with sandy-loam texture sit close to the Minho River, and surrounding mountains provide protection from ocean winds, creating a temperate, Atlantic-influenced climate. The Lima Valley accounts for 70 hectares focused on Loureiro; granitic soils with sandy-loam texture receive the greatest Atlantic influence of any sub-region on the estate. The Baião parcel, planted to Avesso, grows on schist and granitic soils at varying altitudes with a notable continental influence.

• Monção e Melgaço: 60 ha of Alvarinho on granite-sandy loam near Minho River border with Spain
• Lima Valley: 70 ha of Loureiro at 35 meters elevation, strongest Atlantic influence on the estate
• Baião: Avesso grown on schist and granitic soils with continental climate influence
• All vineyards certified under Sustainable Farming with integrated production practices

Anselmo Mendes combines traditional and bold winemaking methods. Fermentation-on-skins techniques preserve aromatic complexity and textural depth, while selected cuvées undergo oak-barrel fermentation for additional structure. The result is a portfolio that consistently delivers bone-dry, mineral wines with no residual spritz, a deliberate departure from the light, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde style that dominated the market before 1998. This commitment to seriousness and longevity has repositioned the entire DOC Vinho Verde category in fine-wine circles.

• Fermentation-on-skins preserves aromatics and builds texture
• Oak-barrel fermentation used for premium, structured cuvées
• All wines produced in a bone-dry, still style with no residual fizz
• Approach pioneered the age-worthy Vinho Verde style from 1998 onward

Anselmo Mendes has received consistent critical recognition over more than two decades. Revista de Vinhos named him Winemaker of the Year in 1998, the same year he released his debut wine. He was awarded the title 'Lord of Wine' in 2021 and appeared in the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Producers list that same year. Production stands at approximately 700,000 bottles per year, and the wines are distributed to more than 40 countries, making the estate one of the most internationally visible producers in the Vinho Verde DOC. The winery is located in Penso, a hamlet situated between the towns of Monção and Melgaço, near the Minho River and the border with Spain.

• Winemaker of the Year 1998, Revista de Vinhos
• 'Lord of Wine' 2021; Wine & Spirits Top 100 Producers 2021
• Approximately 700,000 bottles produced annually
• Distributed to 40+ countries; winery based in Penso, between Monção and Melgaço