
Passionada is the work of Anselmo Mendes, widely regarded as one of Portugal’s most accomplished winemakers. Mendes is known especially for his expressions of Alvarinho from the Vinho Verde region, just over the border from Spain’s Rías Baixas where Albariño thrives. Alvarinho it is genetically the same variety as Spain’s Albariño.
The 2024 vintage of Passionada is made from 100% Alvarinho and has spent a few months on its lees. It sits at 12.5% ABV and has earned an impressive 4.1 rating on Vivino.
In the glass, it has a pale green straw colour. My first observation is that this wine particularly benefits from a lot of time and warmth before it reveals its full character. Once it opens up, you get a clear aroma and flavour of pear, joined by a bright acidity. It finishes with a distinctive saline twist that lingers. Unusually for an Alvarinho, which often leans towards riper stone fruit, this version perhaps leans closer to its Spanish cousin Albariño, with sharper fresh acidity and that salty edge.
Available from Laithwaites with a recommended price of £13.99, it’s currently on offer at £11.99 a bottle.













