Anselmo Mendes – 2021 Parcela Unica Alvarinho

Anselmo Mendes – 2021 Parcela Unica Alvarinho

Anselmo Mendes has released the 2021 Parcela Unica, elevating Vinho Verde wines to the next level. As the name of the wine reveals, this single plot wine was exclusively harvested from the best Alvarinho subregion, Monção e Melgaço. With consistent innovations, this 100% Alvarinho wine depicts the versatile wine making techniques that could emphasize the potential of the grape variety.

This wine represents everything Vinho Verde has to offer in the best way possible. Definitely recognizable and iconic for its region and style, but also exciting and interesting to discover.

About the Vineyard

The 2021 Parcela Unica is harvested from a single vineyard in the best Alvarinho subregion in Vinho Verde, called Monção e Melgaço. Located against the Spanish borders, this northern Portuguese area is known for its refined Alvarinho.

A unique and vibrant touch is provided by the fresh climate as a result of the Atlantic influence. Ocean wind is tempered by the mountains. The wind, geology, climate and soil all contribute to create this pure Alvarinho

The harvested grapes are destemmed and gently pressed. The wine is fermented in 400L French oak barrels after which the wine kept on the lees for nine months. This extensive process offers complexity and a rounder body to the wine. After bottling, the wine is aged for one year.

About the Winery

Anselmo Mendes is one of Portugal’s leading wine producers. Not only is he recognized for the excellence of the wines he produces but also for the surprising and consistent way he innovates. With over 30 years of experience, Mendes combines the use of age-old techniques, such as fermentation on skins, with bold winemaking methods like the fermentation of Alvarinho in oak casks, like no other. He is well-known in Portugal and beyond with his own signature style.

Anselmo Mendes wines are the result of a long, faithful connection to the land, an experimentalist and studious spirit and a philosophy of respect for the ecosystem that translates into methods of integrated production. The different regions in which wines are produced provide a fundament full of flavor.

Mendes is known for his meticulous approach to winemaking, focusing on small plots of exceptional vines, where he emphasizes sustainability, minimal intervention and the expression of natural flavors. He has played a pivotal role in elevating Vinho Verde from a largely overlooked wine region to one that’s now recognized globally for its premium wines.

About the Wine

While looking at its wonderful lemony yellow color, the mineral notes slowly evaporate from the glass. In addition to this, the nose of this high-quality Alvarinho offers welcoming aromas of white flowers, lemon and peach. On the palate this highly expressive wine presents its strong acidic character instantly. After the tones of grapefruit, lemon and a touch of orange, the wine quickly reveals the rounder body and hints of vanilla. The pure wine leaves a lingering, long finish that invites for another sip.

The wine elegantly showcases the character of the terroir with a fresh first impression. While swirling a sip over the tongue, the winemaking techniques are noticeable offering an elegant body with hints of vanilla.

We award this wine a 92-point DWA score.

This review is written by our own Marlon Rouw. Anselmo Mendes is imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Vinites and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.

Taste Date:     July 2025 

Website:         Anselmo Mendes