HUGO MENDES
Lisbon & Tejo, Portugal
Hugo Mendes originally trained as a biomedical engineer, but in 2004 he worked his first wine harvest and decided to entirely change his career. He became a winemaker, and for 11 years worked in cellars and consulted all over Portugal. In 2016 however, tired of making wines to other people’s specifications, he decided to strike out on his own. He got a good deal on some friend’s grapes, made the wine in a friend’s winery, and pre-sold as much wine as he could over social media just so he could afford to bottle it. Since that first vintage, however, Hugo has skyrocketed to the heights of Portuguese wine culture. He has become well known for his efforts to help build up a new, younger, more dynamic Portuguese wine community and the endless creativity of his wine making
Crafted from traditional Lisboa varieties, this white captures freshness, drinkability and a strong sense of place. Citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes are balanced by bright acidity, making it an ideal choice for seafood, lighter dishes and everyday enjoyment. Fernão Pires (45%), Arinto (45%) and Vital (10%)
This Lisboa red reflects Hugo Mendes’ commitment to championing local vineyards and authentic Portuguese varieties. Fresh, vibrant and approachable, it combines juicy fruit with subtle spice and lively acidity, creating a versatile red that works equally well at the table or on its own. Touriga Franca
Given provenance and process, this is an uncommonly vivacious, lighter style of red with jewel-bright pomegranate, macerated red cherries and hints of raw cacao and Negroni-like botanicals. Fresh acidity and gently pithy tannins extend and anchor the flavours. Delightful.
Trincadeira is one of the most unique grapes in Portugal. This wine exudes a combination of elegance and slight power. Spice overtones with hints of cedar, but not oaky. The bright red and dark fruit show how this can be one of the best, if not the best, red grape in Central Portugal. In this winemaker’s hands, it shows great complexity. Serve slightly cooler!
Castelão is a rich, ripe and juicy red wine with an irresistible flavour. In the winery the grapes were totally de-stemmed and fermented with natural yeasts in a closed vat. There was frequent reassembly to keep the blanket wet and pressing was undertaken early. Hugo's idea was to leave the wine soft and fruity like the old methods, in order to reveal the true character of the Castelão grape. 20% of the wine was aged for 6 months in wood. Displaying aromas of wild fruits, black pepper and fine spices the finish is long and persistent.
Spicy orchard fruit, creamy texture, salty and complex. Intense and utterly mouthwatering. The grapes were sourced from two chalky clay vineyards in the Alenquer sub-region which, located to the east of the Serra de Montejunto range, is relatively protected from Atlantic influence. Fernão Pires (45%), Arinto (45%) and Vital (10%)
This is a youthful yet textured wine that has everything that one wants in a white wine. Floral and boasting great complexity. This is the king of Fernão Pires and a wine that will age gracefully yet can be tasted now. A long, complex finish.
Beautiful skin contact wine made in collaboration between Hugo Mendes and Miguel Nunes. Nose of citrus fruit with touch of saline character, on the palate fresh and elegant with ling savoury orange citrus finish. 100 percent Arinto on skins for 6 months before pressing.
Mid to deep crimson. Has less of the stone-dust character of the Vinho Regional Tejo and more deep fruit, sweeter-smelling and more openly, fruitily aromatic. A cloud of dark-red fruit. The tannins are more robust, more chewy and evident on the palate, but fully balanced by the fruit core. Touriga Franca aged in used oak barrels for 12 months.
This Fernão Pires wine is a lovely addition to the Tejo appellation! Lighter in style, but still showing a great floral and salinity here. This is a perfect food wine, with the texture and depth that only Hugo can craft with this grape.
Intense herby grapefruit aroma but the main impression is mineral and just slightly nutty. Pure, crisp and with a salty, mineral purity that is utterly refreshing but not simple. Quite daring to pick so early but it's worked. Lean but not austere. Long lime-fresh finish.