Anselmo Mendes Pardusco Private 2022

Anselmo Mendes is one of the leading names of the Vinho Verde region in Portugal's cool, green north, and Pardusco revives an old local style of light, pale red wine made from indigenous grapes. This bottling uses Brancellao, a thin-skinned variety that gives a pale ruby colour and modest alcohol rather than deep extraction. The maritime climate of the Minho is cool and damp, with high rainfall and granite soils, conditions that hold natural acidity high and keep the fruit fresh and red-toned. The wine spends 12 months in oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens what little tannin there is and adds a savoury, spiced layer without masking the delicate fruit. The colour is pale ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry and raspberry, a floral note and dried herbs. The palate is light and fresh, with bright acidity, fine soft tannins and an earthy, savoury finish. This is a red that can be served lightly chilled. Pour it at 13 to 15 degrees. Its freshness suits lighter dishes, roast poultry and even meatier fish.