Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única Alvarinho

About this wine

Anselmo Mendes Parcela Única is the flagship single-vineyard expression of Alvarinho from Monção e Melgaço, sourced from old vines planted on granite soils in the winery's finest parcel. Fermented and aged for 9 months in 400-litre new French oak barrels with regular bâtonnage on the whole lees, then rested a further 12 months in bottle before release. The result is a structured, age-worthy white wine of extraordinary complexity — layered with citrus, stone fruit, wet-stone minerality, toasted hazelnuts and a creamy, seamless texture. Rated 96 by Revista de Vinhos, 94 by Wine Enthusiast and 93 by Robert Parker, it stands as one of Portugal's most decorated white wines.

Sommelier's Note

"Parcela Única is the clearest proof that Alvarinho doesn't have to be a simple, drink-young wine. The combination of old-vine concentration, whole-lees ageing, and French oak gives it a depth that rivals white Burgundy — yet it retains that unmistakable Atlantic salinity and stony mineral edge. At its price point, it's one of the world's great white wine values."

Food Pairings

Exceptional with grilled lobster, seafood cataplana, salt cod (bacalhau), and roasted poultry with cream sauce. Its oak-supported structure also shines alongside rich sushi and sashimi, grilled sea bream with Japanese salt (shioyaki), or tempura. A natural match for dishes where texture and umami meet vibrant acidity.

When to drink it

Ideal for milestone celebrations, intimate fine-dining experiences, or as the centrepiece of a high-end seafood or Japanese kaiseki dinner. Also suits the serious wine lover looking to explore Portugal's best whites.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Alvarinho

Style

White

Price Range

¥7,000–12,000 (depending on vintage and retailer)

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes hand-harvested from a single plot of old vines on granite soils in Monção e Melgaço. Fermentation in new 400-litre French oak barrels followed by 9 months of ageing on the whole lees with regular bâtonnage. After bottling, the wine undergoes 12 months of bottle ageing before release. No grape variety other than Alvarinho. Appellation: DOC Vinho Verde (Monção e Melgaço sub-region).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Parcela Única taste like?

It offers layers of citrus zest, white peach, preserved lemon and grapefruit, underscored by wet-stone minerality and subtle toasted hazelnut from oak. The palate is creamy yet vibrant, with a long, saline finish.

What food pairs best with Parcela Única?

Grilled lobster, seafood cataplana, bacalhau, and roasted poultry are classic matches. In Japanese cuisine, fatty sashimi (tuna, yellowtail), premium sushi, sea bream shioyaki, and shrimp tempura all work beautifully.

How long can Parcela Única age?

It is delicious upon release but continues to develop complexity for 5–10 years in the bottle. Earlier vintages show how the wine gains a honeyed, nutty dimension with time while retaining freshness.