galicia, home of albarino

Galicia, the autonomous province of Spain situated directly north of Portugal, is a mountainous district known for its pilgrimage routes, rugged coastline, pirate coves, and of course its wines, most famously of Albarino.

During the 12th Century, Cistercian monks began to cultivate Albarino in the region. The grape is well suited to the climate and the granitic soils of the zone, particularly the subzone of the Rais Baixas (the lower Rais, the long, fingerlake estuaries formed by drowned river valleys along the coast) and achieves perfect ripeness in the cool Atlantic breezes that blow in from the West.

vinos marinos

Vinos Marinos is a collaboration between Vinos Libres and a group of family farms that created a winery in Condado do Tea. As a farm based project the land and vines are treated with great respect and farming is sustainable and as natural as possible.

The 150 acres farmed by these proud farmers is spread throughout the Condado do Tea subzone in Rias Baixas. Most of these micro-farms are near the banks of the Miño River Estuary and greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Weather here is very special, with mild rainy winters and spring - but overall this is one of the driest zones of Rias Baixas with very healthy and balanced fruit.

Soils are very poor in nutrients, with high acid content and well drained sandy-alluvial soils with slate and a lot of granite. Trellised in traditional Pergola system - high above the ground for maximum air flow. These vines are hand-harvested into small aerated boxes and rushed to the winery early in the morning.

The wine

100% Albarino harvested from old vines grown in granite + slate soils and nurtured by salty marine breezes that wash through the Mino River Valley - Grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks after a soft pressing. This Albariño shows white flowers, peaches and a hint of salinity. Absolutely classic Albarino!