Anselmo Mendes The Alvarinho Tower 2019

The Wine Advocate
RP96

Luis Gutiérrez: The Torre 2019 is a new Alvarinho from the Quinta da Torre estate. The best bunches, the ripest from each plant, were selected using the eight different types of soil/textures found on the property. Fermentation took place in used 400-liter barrels, where the wine aged on its lees for nine months.

It has a bright, almost fluorescent color and reveals complexity, depth, intensity, freshness and elegance, with plenty of subtlety and notes of truffle, spices and herbs. On the palate, it is extremely balanced, with citrus freshness, hints of tangerine, herbs and a saline finish.

This wine goes far beyond being just a varietal — it is elegant, mineral and complex, and is considered one of the best Alvarinhos/Albariños in the world. It has an impressive crystalline purity. For Anselmo Mendes, 2019 was an exceptional year, and this wine promises a long longevity.

4,000 units were bottled in June 2020 and spent no less than 54 months in the bottle before being released in early 2025.

Published: Mar 27, 2025

Anselmo Mendes, often nicknamed "Mr. Alvarinho", is a renowned Portuguese winemaker from Monção. With over three decades dedicated to viticulture, Mendes is recognized for his passion and innovation in winemaking, especially with the Alvarinho grape variety. His approach combines traditional techniques with modern methods, resulting in wines that reflect the authenticity and character of the Monção and Melgaço terroir. In addition, Mendes has explored other grape varieties and regions, contributing significantly to the appreciation of Portuguese wines on the international scene.

In 2016, Anselmo Mendes acquired the historic Quinta da Torre, a property with winemaking roots dating back to the 14th century. Located in Monção, this estate has 50 hectares dedicated exclusively to the Alvarinho grape variety. The diversity of soils on the property allows for the production of distinct wines, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its terroir. Quinta da Torre also houses an Alvarinho experimentation center, reinforcing Mendes’ commitment to research and innovation in viticulture.

Torre 2019 is Anselmo Mendes’ latest creation, representing the pinnacle of his dedication to the Alvarinho grape variety. This wine is the result of a meticulous selection of the best grapes from the most outstanding plots at Quinta da Torre. With Torre, Mendes aims to express the maximum potential of Alvarinho, resulting in a wine that combines elegance, complexity and a deep connection to the terroir of Monção and Melgaço. This new reference is positioned as the house’s top of the range, entering directly into the elite of Portuguese wines in this category.