Leirana Luisa Lázaro Albariño

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Rodrigo Méndez of Forjas del Salnés (known locally as Rodri) is the 5th generation in a family that has grown and crafted quality wine for centuries. Today he is considered one of the greatest Albariño producers in the world, offering more than 15 small-batch bottlings from the micro-terroirs around the Val do Salnés, the most coastal subzone in DO Rías Baixas—an appellation that was established by his grandfather. In another homage to his family’s legacy, Rodri is also leading the revitalization of several nearly extinct local red varietals. Thanks to his rigorous approach and deep regional knowledge, Rodri’s wines are pure expressions of the diverse Salnés terroirs. As a winemaker, he embraces historic techniques that highlight the personality of the different vineyard sites and his basic philosophies and commitment to organic and low-intervention production (native yeast fermentation, extended lees contact without batonnage, minimal sulfur) are consistent across all his wines. As a grower, Rodri has deep respect for his region’s ancient vineyard sites trained in the traditional Parral (pergola) system; he takes a hands-on approach by insisting on longer hang times and manual harvest, all while practicing organic agriculture.

WHAT MAKES THIS WINE UNIQUE?

Winemaker and lifelong viticulturist, Rodri Mendez, extracts single vineyard selections, old vines, coastal vines and red varieties in the subzone Val do Salnes. Wines are fresh with balanced acidity and generally lower in alcohol (12.5%).

RATING HISTORY:

2013 93WA; 2005 94D; 93+WA; 93IWC;

GRAPE:

100% Albariño. Vines planted from 1954-1964. Tended in sandy and granite soil at sea level

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

Sandy and Granite soil

TASTING NOTES:

Heady aromas of poached pear, dried fig, honey and smoky minerals, with a sexy floral nuance in the background. Dry, concentrated and powerful, offering an array of orchard and citrus fruit flavors that expand with air. Shows outstanding energy on the long, incisive finish, which echoes the mineral and floral notes strongly.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

12.5%

BOTTLE WEIGHT:

1.3 lbs (.59 kg)