Muros Antigos Escolha Anselmo Mendes 2023 is a refreshing, expressive white from Anselmo Mendes, one of the most respected winemakers in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. Mendes is known for his focus on bright, dry, terroir‑driven wines that showcase the character of northern Portugal’s Atlantic‑influenced climate and granite soils, and the Muros Antigos range exemplifies his approach to purity, balance and minerality. This 2023 vintage is a blend of 40 % Avesso, 40 % Loureiro and 20 % Alvarinho, grapes that together create a wine with structure and body (from Alvarinho), aromatic intensity (from Loureiro) and crisp acidity with mineral lift (from Avesso). Hand‑harvested fruit is gently pressed, fermented at cool temperatures with indigenous yeasts, and then aged on fine lees for several months to build texture and complexity without overshadowing fruit freshness. In the glass it shows bright aromatics of citrus, green apple, wet stone and hints of peach or apricot, while the palate delivers lively acidity, juicy fruit and a clean, mineral‑infused finish that speaks to both its Atlantic roots and meticulous winemaking. It’s well balanced and approachable in its youth, yet shows enough depth to please more seasoned palates. This wine pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, salads, light poultry dishes or soft cheeses, and also works superbly as a crisp, elegant apéritif. Why we love this wine? We love the aromatic freshness reminding us of lazy days by the ocean!
