D.O. Rías Baixas, Galicia - 93 PARKER. 100% Albariño, this wine is one of the most personal and meticulous projects of Rodrigo Méndez, the driving force behind Forjas del Salnés, in close collaboration with Raúl Pérez. The project is located in Sisán (Ribadumia), in the heart of the Val do Salnés, around a traditional manor house surrounded by very old Albariño vineyards, some planted over a century ago, on granitic soils with clay and alluvial deposits—a classic Rías Baixas terroir with a strong Atlantic influence. The project's philosophy is to showcase this historical viticultural heritage through respectful viticulture, manual labor, and a minimal intervention approach in the winery.
The Pazo da Sinsela 2022 is made from hand-harvested grapes, with spontaneous fermentations using native yeasts, always seeking the maximum expression of the vineyard. Fermentation and aging take place primarily in large oak vats (around 1,500 liters), supplemented by a small portion in used barrels of varying sizes, ensuring the wood doesn't overpower the wine. The wine then spends approximately one year aging on its fine lees, slowly and carefully, to gain complexity, texture, and stability before bottling without aggressive treatments. It has an alcohol content of 13.3%, a pH of 3.17, and an acidity of 7.2 grams per cubic centimeter. 5,000 bottles were produced and bottled in May 2024.
The result is a serious and profound Albariño, quite distinct from the more immediate and aromatic profile typical of the region. It stands out for its tension, salinity, and precision, with notes of ripe white fruit, citrus, Atlantic herbs, and a distinctly mineral background. This wine faithfully reflects the Salnés landscape and Rodrigo Méndez's vision, focused on rescuing the historical identity of Rías Baixas, in both reds and whites, and demonstrating that Albariño can offer longevity, complexity, and terroir character when it comes from old vines and is cultivated with respect. Recommended by The Sommelier.
