Maior de Mendoza, a prestigious estate in the heart of the DO Rías Baixas, boasts some of the oldest and most unique vineyards in the region. The Barros family has been at the forefront of Albariño viticulture since the 1970s, with José Barros planting 100,000 m² of vines, a pioneering move at the time, before the DO Rias Baixas was created. Today, the estate's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in their sustainable farming practices, having eschewed herbicides for over 30 years.
Located in the Salnés Valley, the vineyards benefit from granitic-sandy soils and are meticulously managed to ensure optimal grape quality. The estate's philosophy centres around understanding and respecting the vineyard, grape, and wine, resulting in terroir-driven wines that embody the freshness and Atlantic character of the region. Their
main vineyards, including Finca Las Tablas and Coto de Xiabre, are situated on higher, rocky soils that face the Atlantic, while others like Iglesario and Tallón lie on softer, sandy slopes in the heart of the valley. Each plot is managed according to its unique needs, with manual labour and low yields prioritising vine health and grape quality.
Maior de Mendoza is renowned for its pioneering use of lees ageing, a technique that has set their wines apart in the DO Rías Baixas. This process is possible due to the lack of herbicides in the vineyards and the use of native yeasts in fermentation. Their flagship wine, “Maior de Mendoza Sobre Lias,” is crafted from over 40-year-old vines and aged on its fine lees for a minimum of three months. This method, inspired by traditional practices, imparts complexity and depth to the wines, making them stand out for their varietal intensity and Atlantic freshness. The estate also produces special cuvées like Maior de Mendoza 2 Crianzas and Finca las Tablas, aged on lees for up to 18 months, showing their dedication to creating distinctive, high-quality Albariño wines.
Maior de Mendoza Albariño Finca Las Tablas 2018 Rías Baixas DO
Grapes: 100% Albariño
ABV: 12.5%
Vineyards:
The Finca Las Tablas vineyard, planted in 1976, is a key plot within the Maior de Mendoza estate, located in the Salnés Valley of Pontevedra, descending towards the village of Carril, renowned for its world-class clams. The vineyard is characterised by granitic soils and its location at approximately 70 metres above sea level, benefiting from direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean while being sheltered from northern winds. The vineyard layout, with wide rows to enhance airflow and allow sunlight to reach the vines, naturally helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy grape ripening. Sustainable farming is practised, with no herbicides, insecticides, or aggressive products used, and all vineyard work is done by hand.
Winemaking:
Albariño Finca Las Tablas 2018 is vinified using traditional methods. The grapes are hand-harvested, with only around 10% of the highest quality fruit from this plot used for this cuvée. The wine undergoes extended lees aging, spending 6 months in French oak and a further 12 months in stainless steel tanks on its fine lees, with regular batonnage to develop richness and complexity. This extended lees contact imparts the wine’s signature creamy texture and adds layers of flavour.
Appearance:
Brilliant straw yellow with an intense greenish hue, clear and bright, showcasing its vibrancy.
Nose:
Medium-high intensity on the nose, with a complex aromatic profile of white flowers, mimosas, and balsamic notes, combined with fresh white, stone, and citrus fruits. Further complexity emerges with hints of candied and syrup fruits, spices, fine lees, along with pastry notes, and a mineral, slightly smoky edge that reflects the vineyard's proximity to the ocean.
Palate:
On the palate, this Albariño is vibrant and intense, with fresh acidity and a pronounced mineral-saline quality. The lees aging provides a creamy, fat texture, while the flavours of citrus and stone fruits linger. The wine is long and persistent, with a creamy mouthfeel that balances the acidity, making it both structured and refreshing.
Food Pairing:
A versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with hors d'oeuvres, seafood, fish dishes, rice, and both white and red meats. Its acidity and complexity make it an excellent match for oriental cuisine, balancing the richness and spice of the dishes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve between 10-12ºC to fully appreciate its complexity, freshness, and texture.
Scores:
- 95 points from Tim Atkin MW
- 92 points from Decanter World Wine Awards
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