# Contacto Alvarinho (2025)

- **Producer:** Mendes & Symington
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Alvarinho
- **Region:** Vinho Verde, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, orange, nectarine, blossom, butter, cream

## About this wine

Contacto is produced in the northern Portuguese sub-region of Monção e Melgaço by Mendes & Symington, a joint venture between renowned Vinho Verde winemaker Anselmo Mendes and Symington Family Estates. Named after the skin contact technique pioneered by Mendes, this wine represents a landmark approach to Vinho Verde, capturing the unique terroir of deep granitic soils along the Minho River.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Contacto' refers to the short skin maceration used before pressing to extract texture and complex aromatics.
- Made by Anselmo Mendes, known internationally as 'Mr. Alvarinho' for his pioneering work with the variety.
- Born from a partnership between Anselmo Mendes and historic Port producers Symington Family Estates.

## Food pairing

High natural acidity and rich texture from lees stirring make this Alvarinho ideal for fresh seafood, rich fish dishes, and goat cheese. The subtle salinity and citrus accents cut through richness while complementing delicate seafood flavors.

## Wine making process

Grapes undergo total destemming followed by a short skin maceration of approximately 12 hours at 12°C. Cold clarification is performed before long, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks (14°C–18°C) using neutral yeasts. The wine ages for a minimum of 3 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) prior to bottling.