{"product_id":"2024-adega-algueira-ribeira-sacra-mencia-liberty","title":"2024 Adega Algueira, Ribeira Sacra Mencía - Liberty","description":"\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eAdega Algueira is a jewel in Ribeira Sacra’s magnificent crown. Described by Luis Gutiérrez as \"one of the region’s leading producers with incredible vineyard holdings\", this family-run winery is internationally recognised for producing refined wines from breathtaking vineyards perched on steep slopes that plunge towards the Sil River.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eWhile viticulture in Ribeira Sacra dates back to the Romans, phylloxera, economic depression and civil war left the terraced vineyards abandoned and worthless. In 1980, the year Fernando González Riveiro came to the region, it was a complete ruin. Convinced of its potential, he began the painstaking work to restore some of these forgotten vineyards. Years later, in 1996, the same year the Ribeira Sacra appellation was created, he built a winery in the renowned subregion of Amandi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eToday, Fernando is a local hero and works alongside his son Fabio. They have 130 plots totalling 30 hectares of vineyard planted to local Galician varieties including Godello, Treixadura, Albariño, Loureiro, Mencía, Caíño, Sousón, Brancellao and Merenzao. Many plots are on very steep south-facing slopes, with gradients up to 85%, meaning vineyard work is carried out manually. Varied soil compositions, aspects and gradients result in many different microclimates. Through extensive research and vinification trials, they have unearthed the distinct characteristics of each plot. Slate and schist soils have proven well suited to Mencía, accentuating the variety’s natural tension and minerality, while granite soils with quartz and gneiss provide remarkable freshness and elegance to indigenous white varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThey ferment with native yeasts and vinify by plot using a combination of stainless steel, barrique and foudres. The ‘Brandán’ Godello and Mencía Joven offer excellent value for money and are wonderful introductions to the range. ‘Cortezada’, ‘Escalada’ and ‘Pizarra’ are all single-vineyard wines. ‘Cortezada’ is made from Godello, Albariño and Treixadura from a steep, terraced plot that Fernando has lovingly restored after discovering the abandoned vineyard on a fishing trip 30 years ago. Fermented in stainless steel, it is vibrant and expressive, with abundant stone fruit character and mineral undertones. ‘Escalada’ is 100% Godello, aged in old French oak on lees with bâtonnage, resulting in a richly textured wine with a saline finish and remarkable ageing potential. ‘Pizarra’ is a Mencía-dominant blend, supplemented with Brancellao and Caíño, grown on slate soils. Whole-bunch fermented and aged for 12 months in barriques and foudres, it is complex and layered, with a distinct mineral character and fine tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe quality of the Algueira wines reflect Fernando’s labour of love and dedication to reclaiming the region’s lost vinous heritage. Galicia is one of the most exciting regions in Spain right now, and we are proud to add this pioneering producer to our portfolio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMencía Joven represents the Adega Algueira's flagship wine, embodying the most popular vinification style within the appellation. This wine showcases fresh, light characteristics with pronounced fruit expression and subtle acidity. The grapes are sourced from multiple estates featuring diverse soil compositions of slate, granite, and schist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2024 vintage was exceptional for creating fresh, aromatic wines. Cool, wet conditions during the spring provided abundant soil hydration, followed by rising temperatures and dry weather that created optimal ripening conditions. Harvest operations commenced in the first week of September 2024 and concluded by month's end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bunches were mechanically destemmed and pressed, followed by cold maceration and tank fermentation. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation with no oak ageing or wood contact involved in the wine making process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, the wine displays a deep cherry colour with a purple rim. The nose presents varietal character with pure blackberry and raspberry notes that are both expressive and powerful. The palate demonstrates balance with a full-bodied structure, departing from the region's typical lightness. The intensity of fruit is underpinned by harmonious acidity, which provides vibrancy and lift.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wine Tasting Adventure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56188502409594,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0527\/4297\/9770\/files\/Mencia2024__250x500_03d0fb9b-f008-45bc-af9b-157a480f0ea7.png?v=1763382479","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-ta.co.uk\/products\/2024-adega-algueira-ribeira-sacra-mencia-liberty","provider":"Wine Tasting Adventure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}