Virgen de Galir A VILLEIRA AS ERMITAS 2021

VIRGEN DEL GALIR A VILLEIRA AS ERMITAS 2021

A Villeira As Ermitas 2021 is a single-plot red wine that captures the freshest, most floral, and delicate side of Valdeorras. It originates from a small, historic vineyard located in As Ermitas, in the Bibei Valley, where the vines grow on granitic and sandy soils, set upon ancient stone terraces at an altitude of approximately 700 meters. The 2021 vintage—marked by a distinct Atlantic character—yields a wine defined by precise fruit, elegance, and balance, offering an expression of terroir that earned 94 points from Luis Gutiérrez for *Robert Parker's Wine Advocate*.

PHILOSOPHY

Virgen del Galir was established in Éntoma, within the Valdeorras D.O., with the goal of expressing the unique personality of the region’s traditional vineyards and grape varieties. Now part of the CVNE group, the project combines deep local knowledge with a special focus on unique plots and vineyards that preserve an exceptional viticultural heritage.

A Villeira embodies this commitment to "wines of place." Rather than seeking concentration or power at any cost, it aims to reveal the identity of a mountain plot—where high altitude, nutrient-poor soils, and Atlantic influence foster a slower ripening process, resulting in wines of greater finesse. The manual labor required by this rugged terrain is an essential component of the wine’s character.

WINEMAKING AND VINTAGE

The 2021 vintage was defined by cooler conditions than those seen in recent years. It was a distinctly Atlantic harvest, yielding wines with more restrained fruit, aromatic purity, balance, and elegance. These conditions fostered an exceptionally refined and floral expression of A Villeira, characterized by a less pronounced sense of ripeness and a greater delicacy than in other vintages. The harvest is carried out manually, with careful selection of the grapes. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, incorporating approximately one-third whole clusters. Subsequently, the wine matured for twelve months in 500-liter oak barrels—a format that allows for the development of texture and complexity without overshadowing the expression of the fruit or the granite terroir.

The wine was bottled in January 2023, with a limited production of 2,400 bottles and 50 magnums. Its moderate alcohol content of 13.5% complements the freshness and balance characteristic of the vintage.

VINEYARD AND VARIETIES

A Villeira is located in As Ermitas, in the northernmost part of Valdeorras, next to the Bibei River. This historic plot spans approximately 0.4 hectares and consists of twelve small stone-walled terraces built in the 19th century. The vineyard, planted in 1958, sits at an altitude of about 700 meters with an eastern exposure.

The soils are poor, shallow, and sandy, composed of decomposed granite. These conditions, combined with the high altitude and the influence of the Atlantic climate, foster a profile defined by fresh fruit, floral notes, and a mineral character. Due to the steep slope and the layout of the terraces, vineyard work must be performed primarily by hand or with the help of animals.

The vines consist of a field blend of red varieties: Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Brancellao, Sousón, and Merenzao. This diversity is an integral part of the plot’s historical identity and contributes to the complexity of the wine.

TASTING NOTES

With a clean, bright cherry-red color, A Villeira 2021 stands out for its intense, floral, and fragrant nose. Fresh red fruit blends with nuances of herbs, spices, and a distinct mineral quality that evokes the granitic soils of As Ermitas. The aromatic expression is clear and delicate, with no hint of over-ripeness.

On the palate, it is fresh, balanced, and elegant, with a lively acidity that provides tension and extends the finish. The fruit is precise and restrained, while the structure is enveloping yet remains light. The oak plays a subtle role, adding complexity without overpowering the wine.

The finish is persistent, refined, and mineral, with a sense of purity that reflects the character of the 2021 vintage. This is a mountain red wine that excels through its finesse and balance rather than sheer power.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Its fresh, floral, and spicy profile makes it an excellent companion for white meats, roasted poultry, rabbit, lamb, and simply prepared red meats. It also pairs very well with mushrooms, traditional Galician dishes, lighter stews, and medium-intensity cheeses.

To preserve its aromatic expression and delicacy, it is recommended to serve it between 14 and 16°C (57–61°F). It may benefit from brief aeration before serving.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Producer: Virgen del Galir — CVNE

Wine: A Villeira As Ermitas 2021

Origin: As Ermitas, Valdeorras, Ourense, Galicia, Spain

Designation of Origin: D.O. Valdeorras

Type: Single-plot red wine

Varieties: Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Brancellao, Sousón, and Merenzao (according to The Wine Advocate)

Vineyard: Historic plot of approximately 0.4 hectares

Planted: 1958

Altitude: Approximately 700 meters

Soils: Decomposed granite; poor, sandy, and shallow

Viticulture: Sustainable, with manual labor

Harvest: Hand-picked, with grape selection

Fermentation: In stainless steel, with approximately one-third whole clusters (according to The Wine Advocate)

Aging: 12 months in 500-liter oak barrels

Alcohol content: 13.5%

Bottling: January 2023

Production: 2,400 bottles and 50 magnums

Recommended drinking window: 2024–2030

Serving temperature: 14–16°C

Allergens: Contains sulfites.

RATINGS

94 points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, review by Luis Gutiérrez

95 points — VINOUS

95 points — TIM ATKIN