Do Ferreiro Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Spain 2023

Do Ferreiro is a benchmark producer in Rías Baixas, revered for producing terroir-expressive Albariño from over 175 minuscule, hand-farmed plots in the heart of the Salnés Valley. These parcels, scattered across decomposed granite soils near the Atlantic, showcase the precision, texture, and mineral depth that define world-class Albariño. Farming is practicing organic, fermentation is native, and no blending is done—just pure, unadulterated Albariño from the region’s most iconic zone.

• WINEMAKER: Gerardo Méndez

• FARMING: Practicing Organic; dry-farmed plots

• VARIETY: 100% Albariño (no blending)

• TERROIR: Vineyards in Meaño, Val do Salnés at 150–250m; decomposed granite and sandy sábrego soils; cool maritime climate buffered by surrounding mountains

• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested in small crates; destemmed and cold-macerated for a few hours; fermented spontaneously with pied de cuve from the Cepas Vellas parcel in stainless steel

• AGING: Aged 6–9 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks; no bâtonnage, no malolactic fermentation; lightly fined with bentonite, unfiltered

• TASTING NOTES: Racy and mineral with layers of citrus zest, green apple, fennel, sea spray, and white flowers. The palate is long, dry, and saline, with vibrant acidity and a textured, stony finish that speaks of granite and coastal wind.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Raw shellfish, grilled sardines, Galician octopus, or fennel-roasted chicken