Region: Rías Baixas, Spain

Varietal: 100% Albariño

Tasting Notes: Lively and focused, the 2023 ‘Leirana’ opens with a sea-spray freshness that hints at its Atlantic origins. Layers of citrus zest, green apple, and white peach unfold on the nose, with subtle herbal and floral undertones. The palate is taut and saline, its precise acidity drawing a clean line through the wine’s generous midweight texture. There’s a chalky, almost smoky mineral edge that lingers on a long, mouthwatering finish. Pure and expressive, this is Albariño with both energy and depth — a natural match for shellfish but compelling enough to savor on its own.

Producer: Forjas del Salnés has become one of the most respected and quietly revolutionary producers in Rías Baixas since its founding in 2005. A collaboration between winemaker Rodrigo Méndez and the renowned Raúl Pérez, the winery was created to champion the potential of old vines and terroir-specific expressions in Galicia's Salnés Valley. With a focus on low-intervention winemaking and the preservation of historic vineyard sites, Forjas del Salnés helped redefine what Albariño could be—not just bright and zesty, but layered, mineral, and age-worthy. The ‘Leirana’ bottling is considered a benchmark for the region, widely praised for its transparency and coastal precision.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The fruit for ‘Leirana’ comes from multiple small plots of 40–70-year-old vines planted on granitic soils just a few kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. These breezy, cool-climate sites in the heart of the Salnés Valley contribute to the wine’s briny minerality and vibrant acidity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and a combination of neutral foudres and used barrels, with minimal sulfur and no malolactic conversion. This nuanced approach allows the wine to capture both the aromatic intensity of Albariño and the depth and structure that come from old vines and thoughtful élevage.