In the glass
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
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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.
- 1970 — Casal Mendes Vinho Verde launched under the Caves Aliança umbrella
Facts
- Producer
- Aliança Vinhos de Portugal
- 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.