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 Sobre Lías Rías Baixas DO 2022/23
Grapes: 100% Albariño
ABV: 12.5%
Vineyards:
Maior de Mendoza, based in Pontevedra, Galicia, cultivates its Albariño grapes on the hillsides descending to the fishing village of Carril, famed for its world-class clams. The vineyards benefit from the granitic-sandy soils and a cool, Atlantic-influenced climate, which contribute to the fresh and mineral-driven style of the wine. Sustainable farming practices are employed, with no herbicides or environmentally harmful products, and all vineyard work is done by hand.
Winemaking:
The estate is a pioneer of lees aging in the Rías Baixas DO, a practice that has set their wines apart since their first harvest. The Albariño Sobre Lías (meaning "on lees") undergoes extended aging on fine lees, which imparts greater texture and complexity to the wine, while enhancing its freshness and aromatic intensity.
Appearance:
Bright straw-yellow with slight greenish hues, clear and radiant.
Nose:
High aromatic intensity, offering a vibrant bouquet of white flowers, orange blossom, and balsamic notes, along with layers of citrus (lime, tangerine), stone fruits (peach, medlar, Paraguayan), white fruits, and lychee, complemented by subtle hints of the fine lees.
Palate:
In the mouth, the wine demonstrates a fresh and lively acidity, with a creamy texture and unctuous mouthfeel, thanks to its lees aging. The flavours of ripe stone fruits and citrus are balanced with a fine minerality, creating a wine that is fruity, long, and well-balanced.
Food Pairing:
Perfect for pairing with tapas, shellfish, fish, rice dishes, white meats, and oriental cuisine. The wine’s structure and freshness make it particularly suited to pairing with sushi or ceviche.
Serving Suggestions:
Best served between 10-12ºC to allow the full range of aromas and flavours to be appreciated.
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