Alianca Casal Mendes Branco
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2023
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled seafood, fresh garden salads, sushi and sashimi
✨ Technical Specifications
Casal Mendes is one of Portugal's most iconic and globally recognized wine brands, originally launched by Caves Aliança (now part of the Bacalhôa group). Born in the lush, green, and rain-swept hills of the Vinho Verde DOC in northwestern Portugal, this white wine captures the region's classic, vibrant spirit. The name 'Casal Mendes' pays homage to the traditional Portuguese 'casal' (a small family estate or hamlet). Crafted from indigenous grape varieties grown in granite-rich soils, the wine undergoes a temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve its intense primary fruit aromas. A touch of residual carbon dioxide is retained at bottling, giving the wine its signature, refreshing prickle. This light, breezy style represents the historic, easy-drinking tavern wines of Minho, elevated for modern tables around the world.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1922 under the name João Pires & Filhos and later transformed into Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, this illustrious estate is headquartered in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão on the Península de Setúbal. Owned by the Berardo family, the company has expanded across Portugal's premier wine-growing regions, including the Douro, Dão, Bairrada, and Alentejo, seamlessly integrating historic heritage with cutting-edge viticulture and extensive art collections. Bacalhôa is celebrated for its pioneering spirit, notably introducing landmark varietal bottlings and producing revered classics such as the legendary Quinta da Bacalhôa Cabernet Sauvignon and centuries-old traditions of fortified Moscatel de Setúbal. Their comprehensive portfolio spans exceptional dry reds, whites, rosés, and historic fortified wines that capture the authentic terroir and elegance of Portugal.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Azal, Pedernã, Trajadura
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
9.5-10%