Rodrigo Mendez 2024 Cies Albarino, Rias Biaxas DO

Item Number: 22466

UPC: 8-437013189323

Country: Spain
Region: Galicia
Sub Region: Rias Baixas
Appellation/AVA: Rias Baixas DO
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2024
Grape(s): 100% Albariño
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13

Terroir Notes: Cies is produced from grapes grown in three vineyards: two high on the slopes and one low in the valley floor. All three vineyards are located in Meano, within the the Val do Salnes subzone of DO Rías Baixas. Located in Spain's upper northwest corner, Rías Baixas sits just above the border of Portugal. The name "Rías Baixas" means "low estuaries," a reference to the area's many rivers that lead to the Atlantic Ocean. Of the three vineyards farmed to make Cies, we find predominantly two soil types, 75% granite and 25% dark soil. The landscape is low undulating hills and the vineyards are planted on the slopes and on the flat valley floors. This area's climatic conditions give this wine an “Atlantic” character. Of the 5 subzones in Rías Baixas, Val do Salnes is the coolest due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Yearly rainfall is above 1,700 millimeters (66 inches), or what one would expect in one of the wettest regions in Spain. The area is quite foggy with an average temperature from April-October of 63.4F.

Winemaking Notes: Half the wine is oak aged for 12 months and half is aged in stainless steel tanks. The portion aged in oak goes through aging (elevage) in two large 2,000 liter barrels. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of orange, pear and honeysuckle, along with a spicy top note that gains strength as the wine opens up. Lively and sharply focused on the palate, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by chalky minerality. Finishes dry, nervy and impressively long, leaving resonating orange zest and floral qualities behind.

Pairing Suggestions: Cies shows clean acidity and a strong mineral character that together are a perfect match for shellfish, seafood and lighter salads. The length and acidity of this wine make it an excellent candidate for aging in the cellar.