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 Fulget Cuvée 2022 Rías Baixas DO
Grapes: 100% Albariño
ABV: 12.5%
Vineyards:
This Albariño is grown on the hillsides of Pontevedra in the heart of Galicia, near the fishing village of Carril, known for its world-famous clams. The vineyards benefit from granitic-sandy soils and the cooling influence of the Atlantic, which enhances the freshness and minerality in the wines. The estate follows sustainable farming practices, without herbicides, further preserving the natural character of the grapes.
Winemaking:
The Albariño grapes are hand-picked to ensure optimal quality, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the vibrant fruit character and natural acidity. The wine is aged on its lees, which adds complexity and a refined texture while maintaining freshness.
Appearance:
Straw-yellow with slight greenish hues, clear and bright, reflecting its youth and vibrant character.
Nose:
The wine offers a medium-high intensity aroma, with ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, accompanied by white fruits such as pear and subtle hints of fruits in syrup. These aromas blend seamlessly to create a fresh, aromatic bouquet.
Palate:
The good acidity in the mouth elevates the ripe fruit flavours, making the wine both refreshing and lively. The texture is creamy and balanced, enhanced by the lees aging, giving the wine an elegant mouthfeel. The finish is long and persistent, demonstrating a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity.
Food Pairing:
This Albariño pairs perfectly with tapas, shellfish, fish, rice dishes, pasta, white meats, and oriental cuisine, where its acidity and texture complement a variety of flavours.
Serving Suggestions:
Best served between 10-12ºC, allowing the wine's vibrant aromas and fresh flavours to fully express themselves.
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