Forjas del Salnes 2022 'Leirana' Albarino, Rias Baixas DO

Forjas del Salnes 2022 'Leirana' Albarino, Rias Baixas DO

Item Number: 18798

UPC: 8-437008409313

Country: Spain
Region: Galicia
Sub Region: Rias Baixas
Appellation/AVA: Rias Baixas DO
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2022
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Granite, rocks, and alluvial

Vineyard Notes: Rías Baixas is tucked into the green rolling hills of the northwest corner of Spain, just above Portugal, hugging the deep blue Atlantic coastline. It is a breathtaking region overall, and the sub-region of Val do Salnes, the birthplace of Albariño, is no exception. Within the five unique subzones that fall under the D.O. Rías Baixas , Val do Salnes’ prime location is the coolest and most fertile area of the D.O. on the Atlantic coast of Spain. In fact, there is more Albariño vines planted there than any of the other four sub-regions sharing its Rías Baixas name.

Rías Baixas 2022 Vintage Notes by Decanter 2/2023: "Unusually hot, dry vintage, with some welcome rains just before harvest, which added volumne adn freshness to the grapes. Potential quality outstanding."

Winemaking Notes: This is a wine that is unmistakably maritime. Using almost forgotten minimal intervention techniques learned through generational viticulture knowledge, Rodri recreates the Albariño of yesteryear. This is a wine of power, elegance and salinity that can truly stand among the best white wines of the world. Naturally occurring fermentation takes place with its own yeast. The wine is aged in 80% stainless and 20% neutral foudre. The wine does not go through malolactic fermentation.

Pairing Suggestions: The salinity of Leirana makes it a natural pairing for scallops, oysters, and shellfish of all kinds, as well as the Galician classic octopus dish known as pulpo gallego.

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 93 (11/16/2023)
    The gentler 2022 Leirana reflects a warmer year of rounder wines and slightly lower acidity. They are increasing the amount of oak, and eventually, this could end up being 100% in (used and large) foudres, but the wines don't show any oak. They blended all the wines before they are put in foudre, and they feel it results in better integration of the wine. This represents the Salnés region of Rías Baixas with the salty and tasty marine and granite twist.