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Mendes & Symington Contacto Alvarinho is an aromatic, fresh and lively Portuguese white wine from the Vinho Verde DOC in northern Portugal, specifically from the villages of Monção and Melgaço, villages which are highly regarded for the production of Alvarinho.
Unlike the lightly sparkling style traditionally associated with Vinho Verde, Contacto is a serious, dry white wine made entirely from 100% Alvarinho grapes. It offers vibrant citrus fruit, ripe stone fruit, floral aromatics and remarkable texture, making it equally enjoyable as an aperitif or alongside seafood, grilled fish and Mediterranean cuisine.
The name “Contacto” refers to the brief skin contact during vinification, a technique that enhances aromatic complexity, texture and structure whilst preserving the grape’s naturally refreshing acidity. Buy now at our shop in Fareham High Street or order online from Fareham Wine Cellar, UK delivery available.
The wine is a joint venture, founded in 2023, between Vinho Verde wine-growing legend Anselmo Mendes and The Symington Family (world-famous producers of Ports including Dow’s, Warre’s, Graham’s and, more locally, part owners of Hambledon Vineyard). Anselmo was born in Monção, an area in the Vinho Verde region, best known for the Alvarinho grape variety.
Anselmo Mendes began his fascination with Alvarinho from an early age, going on to achieve worldwide acclaim for his faithful yet innovative work with the variety, and is recognised as one of Portugal’s finest white wine producers. The project aims to develop premium wines from the prestigious Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC.
The Monção and Melgaço sub-region’s mountain barrier creates a unique microclimate balancing crisp rainfall, gentle warmth, and sunlight for flawless grape maturation. The grapes for this wine are sourced from low-altitude, river-adjacent vineyards set in sandy-loam granite and ancient alluvial terraces; this wine captures a distinct sense of place. Wines produced here have a rich textural complexity, a striking mineral backbone and the classic, subtle bittersweet edge characteristic of Alvarinho.
Pale lemon in colour with green highlights.
The nose is intensely aromatic with fresh lime, grapefruit, white peach, nectarine, orange blossom and subtle tropical fruit layered over delicate mineral notes.
The palate is crisp and beautifully textured, showing citrus zest, juicy stone fruit, green apple and hints of saline minerality balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, refreshing finish.
A refined, elegant Alvarinho with excellent concentration.
Serving temperature: 8–10°C
Seafood is the classic pairing, especially oysters, shellfish, grilled fish and sushi, although it also complements white meats and vegetarian dishes.
Not quite. Unlike many entry-level Vinho Verde wines, Contacto is made entirely from Alvarinho and is dry, structured and complex, without noticeable spritz.
The name refers to the brief skin contact used before fermentation. This technique extracts extra aromas and texture while maintaining freshness.
Yes. Alvarinho is the Portuguese name for the same grape variety known as Albariño in neighbouring Spain.
Although delicious when young, it will continue to develop additional complexity for around 3–5 years under good storage conditions.
Yes. The wine is generally produced using vegan-friendly winemaking practices.
90 Points – Wine Spectator
90 Points – Wine Advocate
