Hugo Mendes 'Pitau Claret' Red Blend, Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal

The Hugo Mendes 'Pitau Claret' is a charming nod to tradition and modern winemaking ingenuity, born from the creativity of three passionate artisans: Hugo Mendes, Miguel Ribeiro, and Miguel Nunes. With its light crimson hue and fresh vibrancy, this red blend is designed to challenge conventions, offering an approachable wine that can be enjoyed at the temperature of a white, while still delivering the depth of a red. Crafted from hand-picked, sustainably farmed grapes, this natural wine embodies the free spirit of its maker, making it both versatile and refreshingly unique.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Hugo Mendes
• Grapes: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
• Region: Lisbon, Portugal
• Farming Practices: Sustainable, Organic, Natural Wine
• Fermentation: Natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel with short maceration
• Bottling: Unstabilized, may form tartaric crystals
• ABV: 12%
• TA: 5.2 g/L
• pH: 3.5
• Bottles Produced: 10,500

Sensory Description: This light crimson Claret opens with a bouquet of fresh red and dark berries, highlighting cherry and raspberry, accented by a subtle, earthy stemminess. On the palate, the wine is mouth-watering and lively, offering bright acidity and vibrant fruit with a soft, understated tannic structure. While minimal skin contact gives the wine its lighter color and softer tannins, it remains full of life, with a joyful energy and refreshing finish that lingers surprisingly long. Delicate bubbles of CO2 enhance its freshness, making it an ideal partner for a wide range of meals.

Winemaker's Background: Hugo Mendes’ journey into winemaking is as unconventional as his wines. Though he holds a degree in Biotechnological Engineering, it was his love for wine that steered him into the world of winemaking in 2005. By 2016, Hugo had forged a path of independence, pioneering crowdfunding efforts to finance his own label, which focuses on the lesser-known grape varieties of Portugal. His dedication to minimal-intervention wines allows him to showcase the purest expression of each varietal, while his playful and experimental approach has earned him a loyal following both in Portugal and abroad.

Serving Suggestions: For the best experience, serve Hugo Mendes 'Pitau Claret' lightly chilled, between 50°F and 57°F (10-14°C), depending on your taste preferences. At cooler temperatures (50-55°F), the wine’s acidity and subtle bitterness shine, pairing perfectly with richer dishes featuring sweet, fatty, or umami flavors. For a more fruit-forward expression with a fuller body, serve slightly warmer (55-57°F), making it an ideal companion for casual summer meals, pizza, or grilled fare. As with any wine, the key is personal enjoyment, so feel free to experiment with the temperature that best suits your palate.