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

Wild strawberry, red cherry, rose petal, and citrus peel open with bright, lifted aromatics. 2024 Hugo Mendes Pitau Clarete reflects a contemporary interpretation of Portugal’s historic clarete tradition, bringing together coastal Lisboa fruit, restrained winemaking, and Atlantic freshness. It embodies Hugo Mendes’ commitment to indigenous varieties, moderate alcohol, and wines that prioritize vibrancy and drinkability over weight and extraction.

Product Details:

• Winemaker/ Owner: Hugo Mendes
• ABV: 12%
• Production: Minimal-intervention winemaking focused on freshness and fruit purity

Sensory Description:

The nose combines fresh red berries, pomegranate, rose petal, and subtle citrus notes with an underlying mineral freshness. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is juicy and energetic, carried by bright acidity and a gentle tannic frame that adds shape without heaviness. Crunchy red fruit, floral lift, and a touch of savory complexity persist through a clean, refreshing finish marked by balance and precision.

Winemaker’s Background:

After beginning his professional career as a biomedical engineer, Hugo Mendes entered the wine industry in 2004 and spent more than a decade working harvests and consulting throughout Portugal before launching his own label in 2016. Starting with borrowed cellar space and pre-sold bottles funded through social media, Mendes has become one of the leading voices of a new generation of Portuguese winemakers. Based in Alenquer, he focuses on native grape varieties and wines that preserve the natural freshness of the Lisboa area, favoring restraint, authenticity, and regional character over heavy extraction or oak influence.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at 12 to 14 degrees Celsius in a Burgundy or universal wine glass to highlight its aromatic freshness and vibrant fruit. Pair with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, roast chicken, tuna dishes, herb-driven Mediterranean cuisine, or soft washed-rind cheeses. Its bright acidity and moderate structure also make it an excellent aperitif wine.