Click to Enlarge Jose L. Sotos, photo by Friederike Paetzold

The high elevation of this precious small part of Galicia produces Mencía grapes that are different from other Galician wine regions, flavors tend to be more uplifted, more floral, brighter, and very pretty! A Portela is all unoaked to emphasize the purity and delicate flavors and aromas of this grape. It is produce from estate own grapes that are organically grown.

The soil is composed of slate and granite topsoil, with a thin clay subsoil. This soil profile is poor in organic matter yielding 6 pounds of grapes per vine, compared to the average of 17 pounds per vine in Valdeorras. The granite and slate soil surface warms up during the day, providing heat to the roots, encouraging the grapes to continue ripening even during the cool nights. Lower yields result in more concentrated grapes providing more flavor intensity to the wines.