Contacto D.O.C. Vinho Verde Alvarinho Monção e Melgaço
This is a high-quality white wine from the Monção e Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC in northern Portugal, produced by Anselmo Mendes (now in partnership with Mendes & Symington).
Characteristics
The name “Contacto” refers to the short skin contact (maceration) used during winemaking, which gives the wine extra texture and depth. It is made exclusively from Alvarinho grapes grown in low-altitude vineyards near the river, on granitic sandy-loam soils with alluvial deposits.
Technical Details
- Country / Region: Portugal, DOC Vinho Verde – Monção e Melgaço
- Producer: Anselmo Mendes / Mendes & Symington
- Grape variety: 100% Alvarinho
- Alcohol: approx. 12.5% vol.
- Total acidity: approx. 7 g/L
- pH: approx. 3.30
- Vinification: Hand-harvested grapes, full destemming, brief skin maceration, cold clarification, temperature-controlled fermentation
- Ageing: Minimum 3 months on fine lees with regular bâtonnage
Tasting Notes
Pale lemon colour. Fine and intense mineral aroma with citrus notes (lemon, grapefruit), delicate floral hints, light tea notes and wet stone. On the palate it is full, creamy and complex, with vibrant acidity, elegant minerality and a long, structured finish. It combines the classic freshness of Alvarinho with greater texture and depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 10–12 °C. Excellent with seafood, fish, sushi, salads, light white meat dishes or as an aperitif. It has ageing potential of up to about 10 years.
Contacto Alvarinho is one of the most recognised and highly regarded wines from Monção e Melgaço — elegant, mineral and a true expression of the Alvarinho variety by one of its leading masters.