SPAIN

ADEGA GUIMARO , PEDRO RODRÍGUEZ, DO RIBEIRA SACRA

LUIS ANXO RODRÍGUEZ VÁZQUEZ, DO RIBEIRO

In recent years Ribeiro has emerged as an area with the most potential within Galicia. But it was not always like this... Back in the 1980’s Luis Anxo Rodriguez Vazquez, was among a handful of so called colleiteiros – farmers, for whom, small scale vine growing remained a way of life. After studying Oenology, Luis returned to Ribeiro taking over the family farm. He has divided his vineyards into more than 100 micro-parcels, planted with native varieties: Treixadura, Lado, Albariño, Torrontes in whites and red ones: Brancellao, Caiño Longo, Caiño Redondo and Ferrol, which Luis favours the most. The vines aged between 10 – 50 years, grow on traditional terraces on decomposed granite soil. Made in miniscule quantities the wines of Luis have reputation among sommeliers and collectors as some of the most compelling and rare in Europe, while being a prove that Galician reds and whites can age with elegance. We feel very privileged adding them to our portfolio.

RAFAEL PALACIOS,

DO VALDEORRAS

Having collaborated with some winegrowers from the area and attracted by the potential of the

Godello variety, Rafael Palacios started his own project in the long-neglected vineyards of Valdeorras in 2004.
The extreme topography of the soil led him to this historic region, filled with terraced sites. Historically, the vineyard´s small parcels  were divided by drawing lots or “Sorte” in Galician. He works in the highest parts of Valdeorras with old vines of Godello, following biodynamic methods. Nowadays his wines are a reference for Spanish whites.

We keep exploring the different regions in Galicia and keep finding small artisan wineries such as Via Arxentea.

Manuel currently owns 3.5 acres of vineyards within the DO of Monterrei, and he brought in the well-known enologist Manuel Bueno, to help him. They make 1,500 cases annually of their Godello and Treixadura and 700 cases of their Mencía wine. Both wines are made from only estate bottled fruit, fermented by indigenous yeasts and harvested by hand.

QUINTA DA MURALLEDA, JOSE LUIS MATEO, DO MONTERREI

"Many producers consider José Luis Mateo to be the finest grape grower in Galicia. He is relentless in his search for excellence and is often unhappy with the results even when you think the wines are amazing. In fact, his wines are amazing, without a doubt the finest of monterrei, and they transcend the appellation and find themselves among rthe finest wines form galicia and from spain" Luis Gutierrez for Wine Advocate Quinta da Muradella – is a winery we have been hoping to add to our portfolio for quite some time. José Luis Mateo – is a humble, yet influential and inspiring growre. For decades he has been patiently exploring the terroir of his home region, working 20 hectares of vines divided into 23 single vineyard plots, planted with plethora of indigenous grape varieties. It is a recovery project, built with perseverance and scrupulous attitude, but José Mateo comments with typical for himself stoicism: “This is a work of many generations. I am not in a hurry.... I’d rather do little but be good at it”.

BODEGAS EIDOSELA, DO RIAS BAIXAS

Bodegas Eidosela was formed by a group of artisan winemakers  in 2003. They set out to unify a number osf small, family owned vineyards where Albariño was the dominant grape variety. They offered knowledge and support to the local producers and as quality improved, they combined their production to make two wines; Arbastrum & Eidosela. Today, 45 hectares of vineyard supply the winery.

BODEGAS ALBAMAR, XURXO ALBA PADÍN, DO RÍAS BAIXAS

This project started in the early 80’s, when the parents of Xurxo Alba Padin started to plant and work the family land, selling their product to

the wineries in the area. Coming from a family of vine growers, Xurxo followed the family tradition of becoming a wine producer. 

In July 2006, after finishing studies in oenology, Xurxo started turning his dream into reality. Taking charge of the 3 hectare family vineyard, that has a total production of 38.000L in the Rias Baixas region, he has created ‘Albamar’. We feel this is the most exciting Albariño we have ever tasted! Power and elegance in equal measure - these mineral driven wines will open your senses to the Atlantic sea - ‘Albamar’.

Since 2012, this innovative exciting wine maker, is also doing his own wines in the bordering region of Ribeira Sacra. Here he produces ‘Fusco’, 100% Mencía.
His wines fall into the ‘natural wines’ catagogy with minimal intervention in the winery and indigenous yeast is also one of the secrets he can share with us.

ADEGAS CASTROBREY,
DO RIAS BAIXAS

Adegas Castrobrey is a family winery currently run by Ramon Blanco, who represents the third generation working the 9 hectarea finca, split into 13 plots. The vineyards and the winery are in San salvador de Comenzo, in the most northern subzone of Rias Baixas, some km away from santiago de Compostela. Unlike in other past of the region, this area has fewer wineries and Castrobrey is considered a benchmark and the most emblematic of them all. Apart from quite strong Atlantic influence, this is also the most inland part of the DO,  characterised by slightly higher altitude and distinctive soil type, composed of limestone rich clay with proportion of quartz, over granitic bedrock. The grapes receive maximum sun exposure as the vines are trained on traditional pergola, which also provide much needed ventilation. For several years now Castrobrey follows sustainable farming methods, minimising the use of chemicals and encouraging the biodiversity in their vineyards.

NANCLARES I PRIETO, ALBERTO NANCLARES&SILVIA PRIETO,
DO RIAS BAIXAS