Anselmo Mendes is a wine producer based in the Minho region of northern Portugal, working within the Vinho Verde appellation. The estate focuses on white wine production, with particular emphasis on expressing the characteristics of indigenous Portuguese varieties and their terroir.

Vinho Verde is known for producing young, fresh wines typically marked by subtle carbonation and crisp acidity. The region's maritime climate and granite-based soils create conditions suited to aromatic white varieties. Anselmo Mendes works with Albarino, a variety more commonly associated with Spain's Rías Baixas but grown selectively in this Portuguese region, where it reflects the coastal influences and mineral character of the Minho.

The current range includes Contacto Albarino, produced as an orange wine—a style made with extended skin contact during fermentation. This approach adds textural complexity and oxidative notes to the wine, distinguishing it from the region's typical pale, effervescent whites.

Vinho Verde is a demarcated wine region located in the Minho district of northwestern Portugal, near the Spanish border. The name translates to "green wine," referring not to color but to the wine's youth—it is traditionally consumed young, often within a year of production. The region has a long history of wine production, though it was formally demarcated as a region in the 20th century.

The Minho's maritime climate is cool and wet, with Atlantic influence moderating temperatures and providing abundant rainfall throughout the year. These conditions favor high acidity and lower alcohol levels in the wines. The region's traditional grape varieties include Alvarinho (also called Albariño), Loureiro, Trajadura, and Avesso, among others. Winemaking practices traditionally involve partial fermentation or the retention of residual carbon dioxide, creating the slight fizz characteristic of many Vinho Verdes. However, modern producers increasingly craft still wines from the region's varieties, demonstrating the versatility of these grapes.

Vinho Verde wines are typically light, refreshing, and marked by crisp acidity. White wines from Alvarinho—the region's most prestigious variety—display citrus, green fruit, and mineral characteristics with lean, elegant structure. The high natural acidity and lower alcohol content (often 9–11% ABV) make these wines food-friendly and particularly suited to seafood and lighter dishes. While Vinho Verde has historically been associated with slightly sparkling, off-dry styles for export markets, the region now produces a diverse range of expressions, including dry still wines that showcase the distinctive character of its cool-climate grapes.