Mendes & Symington Casa De Rodas-Alvarinho
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Casa De Rodas-Alvarinho is named after a typical Minho manor house with a vineyard, garden, and a chapel from 1768. Located in the Monção and Melgaço sub-region, it enjoys a temperate climate influenced by the Atlantic.
- Daytime temperatures reach around 30°C, while nights drop to 10°C, preserving wine acidity and enhancing aromas.
- The region’s granitic soils and sandy-loam texture contribute to the uniqueness of the wines. These conditions create Alvarinho wines with floral and citrus aromas, characterized by their freshness and longevity.
Varietal Composition: 100% Alvarinho
Elaboration: Grapes are manually harvested in the cool of the day to preserve their. After gentle destemming and pressing, the must is cold-settled at 10°C for 72 hours before three weeks of temperature-controlled fermentation. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is separated from the coarse lees and matured on fine lees for six months to enhance complexity and texture.
Tasting Notes: Austere profile, slightly floral and fruity, with a complex aroma and a strong mineral component. On the palate, it has good structure, vibrant acidity, and a long finish.
PRESS
2023 – 93 Decanter | 91 Wine Advocate
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 2023, the Symington family joined forces with the renowned winemaker Anselmo Mendes from the unique Vinho Verde region, to produce premium wines with the utmost quality and prestige. Anselmo has rightly earned his reputation as one of the most accomplished winemakers in Portugal and as a pioneer in the area.
Following Symington’s acquisition of the historic estate of Casa de Rodas in the prestigious Monção and Melgaço sub-region of the Vinho Verde DOC in northern Portugal, the Mendes and Symington families decided to create a joint venture with the aim of commercializing the wines produced on the property. The joint venture also included the acquisition of the renowned Vinho Verde brand, Contacto, produced by Anselmo Mendes, which has seen enormous success in Portugal and internationally, and both families believe it has great potential for further development.