Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho 2017

This spectacular Alvarinho is from the innovative cellars of Anselmo Mendes, “one of the region’s most respected winemakers” (Drinks Business). He was also named Portugal’s ‘Producer of the Year’ in 2012, was the top-rated producer in Hugh Johnson’s 2012 Pocket Wine Book, and the Spanish wine guru José Peñin calls him “the most innovative Alvarinho producer”. His vines are grown on granite slopes in the Minho Valley, home to some of the best Alvarinho sites. Cold fermentation gives freshness and lees ageing richness to this crisp apéritif or seafood partner. If you ever wanted to see just how fine Vinho Verde could be, or to experience Portugal’s equivalent of Albariño, this is the wine to pick. Remarkable elegance and zing – best solo.