Alvarinho Contacto 2017
Region: From the treasure room
Producer: Anselmo Mendes
Why we chose this wine
We were there when Anselmo launched the first wines with its name on the market. He had already made a name for himself as a consultant in many estates, but in the early 2000s he focused on his home region.
Melgaço has always been recognised as one of the best places to produce Alvarinho, but very few quality estates were still active.
Anselmo played an important role in the rebirth of the region and is now recognised as one of Portugal's leading white wine producers.
The Alvarinho grape variety plays the main role here, but Anselmo also values other local varieties such as Loureiro, Avesso and Vinhão. Its wines are distinguished by their freshness and minerality. The granitic soils, the proximity of the ocean and its location in the north of Portugal play a decisive role.
The wine is complex with a vegetal, mineral character with a hint of bitterness typical of Alvarinho.
Melgaço has always been recognised as one of the best places to produce Alvarinho, but very few quality estates were still active.
Anselmo played an important role in the rebirth of the region and is now recognised as one of Portugal's leading white wine producers.
The Alvarinho grape variety plays the main role here, but Anselmo also values other local varieties such as Loureiro, Avesso and Vinhão. Its wines are distinguished by their freshness and minerality. The granitic soils, the proximity of the ocean and its location in the north of Portugal play a decisive role.
The wine is complex with a vegetal, mineral character with a hint of bitterness typical of Alvarinho.
| Volume | 75.0 cl. |
| Grape Variety | alvarinho |
| Drinking window | 2026 |
| Alc. | 12.5% |
| Vinification | Skin maceration of the destemmed berries for 12 hours, clarification at room temperature, fermentation around 14 to 22°c |
| Ripening | Aged for a minimum of four months on the lees in stainless steel. |
The producer
Anselmo Mendes
We were there when Anselmo launched his first wines under his own name and we are still following him. Meanwhile, he grew to become 'mister Alvarinho'.
More about Anselmo Mendes →