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$76
Anselmo Mendes, known as Mr Alvarinho, makes A Torre from Albariño in Monção at the heart of Vinho Verde. Nine months on lees in barrel build a fuller, golden-hued white of citrus, stone fruit and a nutty depth.
In stock
Description
Anselmo Mendes has spent over thirty years working Albariño in Monção and Melgaço, the inland corner of Vinho Verde that produces the region's most serious whites. A Torre is a barrel aged expression of the grape rather than the usual fresh style. The granite soils and cooler, wetter climate of the upper Minho give Albariño high acidity and a firm citrus core, while the fruit ripens fully on well exposed sites. After fermentation the wine spends nine months on its lees in barrel. Extended lees ageing releases mannoproteins that fill out the mid palate and add a creamy, nutty depth, while the barrel lends a gentle oxidative complexity and a little structure. The colour is a bright yellow with golden highlights. The nose is intense citrus and white peach with apricot, honey and a toasted, nutty note from the lees and wood. The palate is dry and full bodied for the grape, textured and long, closing on almond and beeswax with the acidity still firm. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass.
Additional information
The extra weight and lees texture take this beyond simple shellfish to grilled prawns and scallops, lobster and crab in butter. It also handles roast chicken and pork loin, and richer white fish such as monkfish or turbot in a cream sauce.
