Viticulture takes the form of integrated production, involving the rational use of water, the improvement of the soil and non-use of herbicides. These practices are also combined with the recovery and planting of forests, the restoring of old grain mills to operation and the presence of animals. It’s in the Vinho Verde region, the largest and one of the oldest designations of origin in Portugal, where most of Anselmo Mendes’ wines are rooted. The Atlantic influence lends the region a fresh climate and an exuberant environment that favour the uniqueness of the wines produced. MONÇÃO AND MELGAÇO Monção and Melgaço, the cradle of the Alvarinho grape variety, is a sub-region of temperate climate, protected from the ocean winds by the mountains. Excellent whites are produced here thanks to the combination with other factors such as geology, texture and soil structure. QUINTA DA TORRE The acquisition of Quinta da Torre was born out of a dream harboured by Anselmo Mendes since the time when, as a young boy, he participated in grape harvesting here and believed it to be a terroir of excellence for Alvarinho. The property has 60 ha of vineyards, and a 14th-century manor house with three towers, one of which has a wine cellar from which red wines were sent to England in mediaeval times. The construction of the “Alvarinho Experience Centre” on this property is yet another consolidation project for Anselmo Mendes’ work on the most noble of green grape varieties. LIMA VALLEY Anselmo Mendes has 70 ha of vineyards in the Lima valley, spread over 6 estates on both banks. This is the sub-region with the greatest Atlantic influence in the entire Vinho Verde region. The soils are mostly of granitic origin with a sandy-loam texture and with some outcrops of schist. This sub-region has vineyards extending along both banks of the River Lima, from Viana do Castelo to Arcos de Valdevez, mostly given to growing the Loureiro grape variety.