Contacto joins the Fells portfolio

Contacto Alvarinho, our first wine from the Vinho Verde region in Northern Portugal, is an exciting new addition to the Fells portfolio.

Contacto new wine article bottle shot

In 2023 the Symington Family strengthened its long-running relationship with the legendary Vinho Verde producer Anselmo Mendes by forming the Mendes & Symington partnership.  This joint venture aims to develop premium wines from the prestigious Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC in northern Portugal.

As part of the new agreement, the company acquired Mendes’ renowned Alvarinho wine, Contacto. A wine that continues to see remarkable success, not only in Portugal but also internationally, and which both families believe has great potential for further development.

Contacto Alvarinho is obtained from the noble Alvarinho grape variety grown exclusively in the sub-region of Monção and Melgaço. This sub-region is surrounded by a range of mountains on the Spanish border that protect it from the Atlantic winds giving warm days and cool nights. The temperate climate is characterised by a unique combination of precipitation, temperature and light; creating the ideal conditions for the grapes to mature.

Contacto new wine article family member image
Anselmo Mendes
Contacto new wine article vineyard image

The vineyards selected for this wine are near the Minho River where the soils are granite with a sandy loam texture. These low altitude riverside terraces benefit from the alluvial deposits producing the complexity, minerality and acidity typical of this variety.

The hand-picked Contacto grapes are carefully placed in small boxes and swiftly delivered to the winery to ensure freshness and quality. After a brief maceration on the skins and a temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine is then aged on fine lees for three months with regular bâtonnage.

On the nose Contacto has intense aromatics of white flowers interleaved with fresh citrus. Vivaciously fruity flavours of lemon, lime and pear on the palate are enhanced by an elegant textural minerality on the finish. Serve between 10-12°C.