Structure

Bodylight
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessoff dry
Finishmedium
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 0 to 2 years from vintage.
vintage0 yrs2 yrs8 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Light-bodiedHigh acidityOff DryMedium finish

Aroma: green apple, lemon, white flowers, fresh herb

Palate: citrus, soft fruit, light spritz, off-dry close

Aliança's Casal Mendes brand: high-volume off-dry Vinho Verde from the Caves Aliança umbrella, distinct from the eponymous Aliança Vinho Verde label.

What it pairs with

  • Spicy chicken wings
    Off-dry low-alcohol Vinho Verde with light spritz tames hot wing spice.
  • Summer picnic
    Low-alcohol Vinho Verde is the textbook picnic pour.
  • Bolinhos de bacalhau Find bolinhos de bacalhau on TableJourney →
    Light spritz cuts salt-cod fritter oils.
  • Vegetable summer rolls
    Off-dry close balances dipping sauces; light spritz refreshes between bites.

History

Casal Mendes is the Aliança umbrella's high-volume Vinho Verde brand, launched in the early 1970s alongside the eponymous Aliança Vinho Verde. Marketed to entry-level export and supermarket channels.

  1. 1970: Casal Mendes Vinho Verde launched under the Caves Aliança umbrella

Facts

Producer
Aliança Vinhos de Portugal · visiting guide
Grapes
Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto
Classification
DOC Vinho Verde
Oak
Stainless steel; brief lees
ABV
10.0%
Price
EUR 5 to 8 at retail
Drinking window
0-2 from vintage
First vintage
1970
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Aliança Casal Mendes Vinho Verde

What does Casal Mendes Vinho Verde taste like?

Green apple, lemon, white flowers and fresh herb on the nose; citrus, soft fruit, light spritz and an off-dry close on the palate. Light-bodied with high acidity and a medium refreshing finish.

Is Casal Mendes the same as Casal Garcia?

No. Casal Mendes is the Aliança Vinhos de Portugal brand; Casal Garcia is the Aveleda (Guedes family) brand. Both are high-volume off-dry Vinho Verde whites but they have distinct ownership and supply chains.

When should I drink it?

Drink within 0 to 2 years of vintage.

What food pairs with Casal Mendes?

Spicy chicken wings, summer picnic spreads, salt-cod fritters and vegetable summer rolls.

Tags

arinto drink young high acid light body loureiro mood easygoing mood refreshing occasion bbq occasion picnic occasion summer occasion weeknight off dry old world pairs with fried food pairs with oily fish pairs with salad pairs with spicy food pairs with white fish price everyday still white trajadura vegan

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