About Contacto Alvarinho
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Alvarinho
- Price Range
- ¥4,000-6,000
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Contacto takes its name from the brief skin contact Anselmo Mendes applies during vinification — enough to build aromatic depth and a touch of texture without affecting the wine's pale colour. Sourced from deep, pebbly, granitic soils in Monção e Melgaço, it is aged around three months on lees with periodic bâtonnage, yielding ripe peach and pear fruit, floral lift, firm acidity and a distinct saline finish.
Named for a technique, defined by precision — Contacto shows how a few hours of skin contact can add texture to Alvarinho without ever blurring its clarity.
New to wine?
Crisp but with a bit more texture than a typical Vinho Verde — a great next step for those who already enjoy Alvarinho.
Food Pairings
Excellent with grilled seafood, oysters, sushi and light poultry; its acidity and minerality also pair well with creamy goat cheeses.
When to drink it
Summer terrace dining, seafood dinners, aperitif with friends.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Alvarinho from deep pebble, granitic soils in Monção e Melgaço, hand-harvested. Brief skin maceration before fermentation in stainless steel, followed by roughly 3 months on fine lees with periodic bâtonnage.
About the producer
Anselmo MendesThe undisputed master of Alvarinho, redefining the potential of Vinho Verde.Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Contacto Alvarinho taste like?
- Vibrant lemon, peach and wet stone with a distinct salty finish, plus a touch more texture than an unoaked Alvarinho.
- Why is it called Contacto?
- It refers to the brief skin contact used during vinification, which adds aromatic depth and texture without affecting the wine's colour.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Fresh seafood, especially raw fish, grilled octopus, and tempura.
Want to know more about this wine?
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