Vineyard and winemaking
Finca Las Tablas is a single estate vineyard planted in 1976 on a slope descending towards the fishing village of Carril. At around 70 metres above sea level, its granite-rich soils, direct Atlantic exposure and shelter from northern winds create a well-ventilated site where Albariño ripens slowly while retaining vivid acidity.
Only a small selection of the hand-harvested fruit is reserved for this cuvée. The 2018 matured on fine lees for 18 months, including six months in French oak and 12 months in stainless steel, with bâtonnage used to build texture and complexity while preserving the vineyard's saline precision.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Luminous straw yellow with green-gold glints and excellent clarity.
Nose
Mimosa and white flowers open into greengage, lemon confit and ripe pear, followed by fine pastry, balsamic herbs and a cool smoky-mineral note.
Palate
Intense and finely structured, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in a creamy lees-derived texture. Bright acidity and a pronounced saline quality keep the palate taut, leading to a persistent finish of yellow plum, sea spray and delicate oak spice.
Food pairing
Pair with Carril clams, scallops with brown butter, grilled sea bass, or roast pork with fennel and apple. The wine's savoury depth also works with prawn and saffron rice or a lightly spiced monkfish curry.
Background story
Maior de Mendoza grew from the Barros family's pioneering commitment to Albariño in the 1970s. Their vineyards in the Val do Salnés are worked manually and have been free from herbicides for more than 30 years, an approach that supports the indigenous yeasts used in the cellar.
Finca Las Tablas is one of the estate's most distinctive parcels and the source of a particularly age-worthy Albariño. The 2018 received 95 points from Tim Atkin MW and 92 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, recognition of a wine that joins Atlantic energy to unusually patient maturation.
