Contacto Alvarinho is a beautifully precise expression of one of northern Portugal’s most celebrated white grapes. Grown exclusively in Monção and Melgaço, it combines vibrant citrus with the concentration and mineral character that make this subregion so distinctive. Grapefruit, lemon and lime lead into subtle white fruit and delicate tea-like notes, while the palate has considerably more texture than a simple, youthful Vinho Verde. Brief skin contact and time on the fine lees give the wine a rounded, almost creamy middle, but naturally high acidity keeps everything energetic and dry. There is no reliance on oak or obvious sweetness; instead, the appeal comes from the contrast between ripe citrus fruit, firm structure and a long mineral finish. It is refreshing enough for an aperitif but has the depth to work brilliantly with shellfish, grilled fish and richer seafood dishes.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Alvarinho, Producer
Mendes & Symington was established in 2022, bringing together renowned Vinho Verde winemaker Anselmo Mendes and the Symington family, fifth-generation Portuguese wine and Port producers. The partnership was created to explore some of the finest terroirs within Vinho Verde, with a particular focus on indigenous grape varieties and wines that offer a more precise, serious expression of the region.
Anselmo Mendes is especially closely associated with Alvarinho and the Monção and Melgaço subregion, having spent decades exploring how vineyard site, skin contact and lees ageing can reveal different sides of the grape. The Contacto range reflects this approach, using carefully controlled winemaking to add texture and complexity while allowing freshness and terroir to remain at the centre.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Alvarinho, Terroir & Winemaking
The grapes are grown exclusively in Monção and Melgaço, the northernmost subregion of Vinho Verde, close to the Spanish border. Mountains surrounding the area provide some protection from Atlantic weather, creating a relatively temperate environment in which Alvarinho can achieve greater ripeness and concentration while retaining its naturally firm acidity.
The selected vineyards lie at relatively low altitude near the river, on granite-derived sandy-loam soils with alluvial material and river terraces. These free-draining soils contribute to the mineral, structured character traditionally associated with Alvarinho from this part of northern Portugal.
The grapes are harvested by hand into small boxes and transported quickly to the winery. After complete destemming, they receive a short period of skin contact before cold settling and temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine then spends a minimum of three months on its fine lees with regular bâtonnage, adding weight and creaminess without sacrificing its citrus freshness.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Alvarinho, Tasting Notes
Pale lemon in colour, with a focused and mineral nose. Fresh grapefruit, lemon and lime are joined by delicate white fruit and subtle floral notes, with a faint tea-leaf character adding an interesting savoury edge.
The palate is crisp and structured, with vivid citrus fruit carried by bright acidity. Fine-lees ageing introduces an attractive creamy texture through the middle, giving the wine more weight than its freshness initially suggests. Grapefruit and citrus peel return towards the finish alongside subtle tea, stone and mineral notes. The finish is long, dry and complex, balancing freshness with a distinctly smooth, rounded texture.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Alvarinho, Food pairing suggestion: Grilled Sardines with Lemon, Parsley and Warm New Potato Salad
Did you know?
Monção and Melgaço is widely regarded as the historic heartland of Alvarinho in Portugal. Its position at the northern edge of Vinho Verde, surrounded by mountain ranges, creates a slightly warmer and more sheltered growing environment than many other parts of the region. This allows Alvarinho to achieve greater flavour concentration while maintaining naturally high acidity.
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