Do Ferreiro Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Spain 2023

Do Ferreiro is a family-run estate and a founding member of the Rías Baixas DO, established in 1988. Led by third-generation grower Gerardo Méndez alongside his son Manuel and daughter Encarna, the winery has become a benchmark producer for Albariño. Named after Gerardo's father, a blacksmith ("ferreiro" in Galician), the estate crafts terroir-driven whites from over 175 meticulously hand-farmed plots in the heart of the Salnés Valley. The family's commitment to organic viticulture and native yeast fermentations has established Do Ferreiro as a reference point for age-worthy, transparent expressions of Albariño.

• WINEMAKER: Gerardo Méndez, with son Manuel Méndez sharing winemaking duties
• FARMING: Practicing Organic (uncertified)
• VARIETY: 100% Albariño
• TERROIR: The wine is sourced from 165 individual plots across 14 hectares in the Salnés Valley subzone of Rías Baixas, with vines ranging from 15 to 50 years old. The parcels are situated in the villages of Meaño, Adina, Sisán, Castelo, and Leiro at elevations between 100-115 meters. Soils are predominantly decomposed granite (xabre) with areas of sand, providing excellent drainage. The Salnés Valley benefits from Atlantic Ocean proximity while remaining protected by the Armenteira mountain range, creating a cool, maritime-influenced climate ideal for producing mineral-driven Albariño with vibrant acidity.
• VINIFICATION: Bunches are hand-selected and harvested in small crates to preserve fruit integrity. Grapes are destemmed and undergo several hours of cold maceration before pressing. Natural yeast fermentation is initiated using a pied de cuve (starter culture) from the estate's historic Cepas Vellas vineyard, ensuring consistency and terroir expression. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
• AGING: The wine matures on its fine lees for 6-9 months in stainless steel tanks without bâtonnage (lees stirring), allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity while preserving freshness. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, maintaining its bright acidity. It is bottled unfiltered with only light bentonite fining, retaining maximum aromatic intensity and mouthfeel.
• TASTING NOTES: The 2023 vintage presents varietal notes of white flowers and fresh-cut grass with subtle balsamic undertones. Light to medium-bodied with a balanced structure, the palate offers bright citrus and stone fruit flavors anchored by vibrant acidity. The wine finishes with an almost saline, mineral twist characteristic of the Salnés Valley terroir. Fresh and sapid with excellent drinkability, this Albariño is capable of aging gracefully for up to 10 years.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Classic Galician seafood preparations including raw oysters, steamed mussels, grilled octopus (pulpo a la Gallega), percebes (gooseneck barnacles), and fresh razor clams. Also pairs beautifully with ceviche, seafood paella, fish tacos, sushi and sashimi, or simply grilled white fish with lemon and herbs.
• SCORES: 93+ WINE ADVOCATE (Luis Gutiérrez)