Contacto Loureiro is a beautifully aromatic expression of Vinho Verde, combining the natural fragrance of Loureiro with the freshness and salinity of Portugal’s Atlantic-influenced Lima Valley. Lemon, lime and fresh pear are joined by jasmine and delicate white flowers, while a short period of skin contact gives the wine a little more flavour and presence than a very simple Vinho Verde. Three months on the fine lees adds subtle texture, creating a palate that feels rounded without losing its crisp, energetic character. There is no obvious sweetness or spritz here; instead, the style is elegant, floral and wonderfully refreshing, finishing with citrus, mineral notes and a gentle salty edge. It is an excellent example of how serious and distinctive Loureiro can be when treated with the same attention normally reserved for more prestigious varieties.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Loureiro, Producer
Mendes & Symington is a partnership established in 2022 between celebrated Vinho Verde winemaker Anselmo Mendes and Symington Family Estates, the historic Portuguese family behind some of the country’s most recognised wine and Port estates. The project brings together Mendes’ expertise in northern Portugal’s indigenous white varieties with five generations of Symington winemaking experience.
Anselmo Mendes has built his reputation through a detailed understanding of varieties such as Alvarinho and Loureiro and the diverse terroirs of Vinho Verde. Rather than treating the region simply as a source of light, youthful wines, the partnership focuses on individual subregions, vineyard character and winemaking techniques that reveal greater depth and complexity. Contacto Loureiro was first produced from the 2024 vintage, following the success of the Contacto Alvarinho style.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Loureiro, Terroir & Winemaking
The grapes come from the Lima subregion of Vinho Verde, one of the traditional homes of Loureiro. Vineyards positioned on the valley’s mid-slopes are strongly influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, which brings cooling conditions and contributes to the wine’s distinctive freshness and saline edge. The soils are predominantly granite and naturally low in organic matter, helping create wines with lively acidity and a clear mineral character.
The grapes are harvested by hand into small boxes and quickly transported to the winery under cool conditions. After complete destemming, the fruit receives a short period of skin maceration, increasing aromatic intensity and texture. The juice is then cold-settled for 48–72 hours before fermentation at carefully controlled temperatures. Following fermentation, the wine spends a minimum of three months on its fine lees with regular bâtonnage, building roundness and complexity while maintaining Loureiro’s bright floral and citrus character.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Loureiro, Tasting Notes
Pale lemon in colour with youthful green reflections. The nose is immediately expressive, with fresh lemon, lime and pear accompanied by jasmine and delicate white-petal flowers. Subtle notes of citrus blossom and fresh herbs add further aromatic lift.
The palate is elegant and light, but there is more texture than its delicate appearance initially suggests. Bright lemon and pear flavours are carried by crisp yet rounded acidity, while fine-lees ageing gives the middle of the palate a gentle softness. A subtle stony, saline character appears towards the finish, which is long, vibrant and wonderfully refreshing.
Mendes & Symington Contacto Loureiro, Food pairing suggestion: Grilled Sardines with Lemon, Parsley and Warm New Potato Salad
Did you know?
Loureiro means “laurel” in Portuguese, a reference to the variety’s particularly fragrant, floral and herbal aromas. It is most strongly associated with the Lima Valley in northern Portugal, where the cool Atlantic climate helps preserve its naturally aromatic character.
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