The Noble Expression of Alvarinho: Mendes & Symington’s Contacto 2025

FROM THE WIRES...

As the days stretch longer and temperatures begin to rise, palates naturally seek a balance between seasonal freshness and structural depth. Mendes & Symington’s Contacto Alvarinho 2025 (SRP $22) arrives as a refined answer to that call, offering an elegant alternative to the standard summer pour.

In the northern reaches of Portugal, within the prestigious Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC, the Alvarinho grape is revered as a "noble" variety. This sub-region produces some of the finest expressions of the varietal, distinguished by a remarkable capacity to yield complex, aromatic, and age-worthy white wines. 

This pedigree serves as the foundation for the Contacto label, a project that unites two pillars of Portuguese viticulture: the legendary Vinho Verde pioneer Anselmo Mendes and Symington Family Estates, the multi-generational renown Port producer. Their collaboration is a testament to the terroir of Monção and Melgaço, where granite-based sandy loam soils and a temperate climate provide the ideal conditions for Alvarinho to thrive.This unique environment fosters a powerful mineral core, which translates on the palate into something unique and compelling. At 12.5% alcohol, the wine offers a nuanced expression of one of Portugal’s finest grapes. 

Building on this heritage, the name “Contacto” speaks to the winemaking precision required for such a sophisticated expression. A short skin maceration before fermentation—a technique that adds layers of complexity and flavor—followed by three months of aging on fine lees with regular bâtonnage coaxes depth and creaminess from the fruit, resulting in a texture that feels seamless and structured. 

Mendes & Symington’s Contacto 2025 is an enduring tribute to the noble lineage of the Alvarinho grape and the rich heritage of Portuguese viticulture. It reflects both the importance of its pedigree and the dedication of its creators, delivering a taste that is as approachable as it is profound. 

Sample.