Anselmo Mendes Tempo 2020

Anselmo Mendes is one of the most respected producers in Portugal's Minho, the green, rainy north-west, and a specialist in the alvarinho grape grown around Monção and Melgaço. This orange wine takes that aromatic variety and ferments it on its skins, then ages it for six months in barrel. The Minho's granite soils and Atlantic-influenced climate give alvarinho its naturally high acidity and stone-fruit character, and the cool, damp conditions keep the fruit fresh and precise. The brief skin contact extracts gentle phenolics and a light grip without heavy tannin, while time in wood softens the texture and adds a subtle nutty note. The result keeps the grape's varietal lift rather than burying it under oxidation. Farming is sustainable and the wine is made to a vegan specification. Look for a pale amber colour and a nose of white peach, apricot and orange peel lifted by white flowers. The palate is textured and dry, with ripe stone fruit, a touch of almond and a saline, citrus-edged finish typical of coastal alvarinho. Serve at around 11 to 12 degrees. It works well with white fish, shellfish and roast chicken.