Why it matters
The producer
Anselmo Mendes vinified his first Alvarinho wines in 1998 in a small artisanal winery. His vineyard work now uses integrated production and green interventions to reduce phytosanitary treatments. Grape pomace and stems are fully composted and, after analysis, used for organic vineyard fertilization.
In 2023, the Symington and Mendes families formed an equally owned company involving Casa de Rodas and Contacto. The joint venture produces Alvarinho wines from Casa de Rodas's 27.5-hectare vineyard, with Anselmo Mendes as winemaker, and acquired Contacto, a wine made entirely from Alvarinho.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Contacto Alvarinho 2024 comes from low-altitude vineyards near the river. The sandy-loam soils are granite-derived, with alluvial and river-terrace features.
Wines to know
The range in view
Contacto Alvarinho 2024 undergoes brief skin maceration, controlled fermentation and at least three months on fine lees with regular bâtonnage. Pale lemon in colour, it has a pronounced mineral aroma, citrus, tea and grapefruit notes, a creamy texture and a long finish.
Parcela Única 2022 is 100% Alvarinho from a single parcel. It ferments in new 400-litre French oak barrels, spends nine months there on total lees with bâtonnage, then ages for 12 months in bottle. Wet-stone minerality meets hazelnut, vanilla, refreshing acidity, verticality and a lightly smoky, long finish.