Parcela Única Vinho Verde Alvarinho (full name: Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única Alvarinho) is a premium single-vineyard white wine from the Vinho Verde region in Portugal, produced by renowned winemaker Anselmo Mendes.
Producer and Origin
- Producer: Anselmo Mendes — one of Portugal’s leading winemakers, known for innovation and excellence in Vinho Verde, particularly with Alvarinho. He has been a key figure in elevating the region’s reputation.
- Region: Vinho Verde DOC, specifically the superior sub-region of Monção e Melgaço in northern Portugal, near the Spanish border. The area benefits from a fresh Atlantic-influenced climate tempered by mountains, granitic/sandy-loam soils, and low yields.
- Grape: 100% Alvarinho (the Portuguese name for Albariño) from a single exceptional plot (approx. 2 ha). This parcel was selected after years of study among over 20 plots for its unique behavior and quality. Vines are over 12 years old.
Winemaking
Grapes are hand-harvested. After destemming and gentle pressing (with short skin contact), the wine is fermented in 400L French oak barrels. It then ages on the full lees for 9 months with bâtonnage (lees stirring), followed by additional bottle aging (minimum 6 months). This process adds complexity, texture, and aging potential while breaking traditional Vinho Verde rules against oak.
Tasting Notes (based on recent vintages like 2021/2022)
- Appearance: Bright lemon-yellow color.
- Aroma: Elegant and expressive with wild flowers, citrus (grapefruit, lemon), peach, subtle minerality (wet stone, saline), hazelnut, cinnamon, vanilla, and light caramel from oak. Not overly fruity — emphasizes style, minerality, and terroir.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet balanced, with vibrant acidity, mineral drive, notes of grapefruit, lemon, orange, white fruits, and integrated oak (vanilla). Dense, round, with a long, persistent, and elegant finish.
- Alcohol: Approx. 13%.
- Scores: Regularly 92–96 points (e.g., Wine Enthusiast, Revista de Vinhos, Robert Parker, James Suckling). Considered a benchmark for premium Alvarinho.
Serving and Food Pairing
- Temperature: Serve chilled at 6–8°C.
- Pairing: Excellent with grilled fish, seafood, shellfish, crustaceans, and also versatile with stronger meat dishes or complex cheeses.
Additional Details
- Ageing Potential: Good development in bottle thanks to structure and acidity.
- Official Site: anselmomendes.pt for current vintages and more.
This wine is ideal for a website as an example of high-end, terroir-driven Alvarinho from Vinho Verde — elegant, complex, and innovative.