Pitau Clarete

Hugo Mendes trained as a biomedical engineer before discovering winemaking in 2004. After years consulting and working in cellars across Portugal, he launched his own project in 2016 — pre-selling wine over social media to fund his first bottling. Based in Alenquer, north of Lisbon, on chalky-clay soils with a slightly Mediterranean climate tempered by Atlantic influence, Hugo focuses exclusively on indigenous varieties and natural freshness. The Pitau Clarete is made in the traditional Portuguese style — a clarete being neither a red nor a rosé, but something in between: red grapes harvested early and given a short, gentle maceration to extract color and a touch of tannin without heaviness. The 2024 is a dynamic blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca, fermented and aged in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. Serve with a slight chill. 92 points, Decanter.