The grapes for this wine come from the Vinho Verde wine region. The Atlantic Ocean has a significant influence on the climate in this area. Vinho Verde literally means "green wine." This could refer to the young age at which the wine should be consumed or the color of the wine. It is Portugal's largest wine region and is therefore completely covered in vines. Twenty percent of the total Portuguese production comes from here. The wet climate ensures that the vines grow very vigorously. Consequently, the sugar content of the grapes is relatively low and the natural acidity high. The wines are therefore distinctly different from other Portuguese wines. They are light, fresh, and distinctly aromatic.
Like Contacto, Muros de Melgaço is a true terroir wine. It is made from Alvarinho grapes, all sourced from the village of Melgaço. The vineyards are located on the southern slopes. Anselmo Mendes carefully selects which plots are used for this wine. The complexity of this wine is the result of a 25-year quest for perfection. This wine is a benchmark in Portugal for its elegance, class, and consistency. Due to its southern location, the wine has a very powerful, ripe character, combined with exceptional acidity. The grapes are destemmed and pressed, followed by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels for six months. An example of what Vinho Verde can achieve in the production of great wines.
