VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Thiago Mendes: Wine was never present during family gatherings like in many families in Brazil, while living in London, I notice how popular wine consumption were and its strong presence on supermarkets and restaurants then, I decided take on a wine course at WSET and so it began.

VDP: Your first encounter with German wines?

Thiago Mendes: During my wine studies at WSET, German Riesling was love at first sip, the diversity of styles and regions still fascinates me.

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Thiago Mendes: There are many histories and memorable experiences, one of them was during a visit at Schloss Johannisberg which is such beautiful and historical state where I was fortunate to taste some of the library wines such as  Grünlack-Spätlese 1964 & 1971 among others.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Thiago Mendes: Well, cellaring V.D.P wines is a difficult task, I am always checking up on then :) also, Kabinette Riesling is among my wife’s favourite wine.

VDP: What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Thiago Mendes: APOTHEKE, TRITTENHEIM. The vineyard is majestic, the view is breathtaking, its wines are sublime and will reward those your patience.

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Thiago Mendes:  Riesling no doubt about that, Spätburgunder is consistently seducing me however, Chardonnay from Baden is a hot spot.