Rodrigo Mendez Cies Blanco 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Rodrigo Méndez is a Spanish winemaker who undertook his personal project in 2011 in Galicia, his land of origin, and more precisely in Meaño, in the heart of the Salnés valley, where he owns approximately 2.5 hectares of vineyards inherited from the family, some of which were planted more than one hundred years ago by his great-grandfather. His production is limited but his wines have already received widespread critical and public success, and are considered among the best in the region. The Albarino grapes are harvested by hand from several vineyards aged between 30 and 70 years, located in Meaño on granitic and sandy soils. Fermentation takes place 80% in barrels and the rest in steel. Part of the finished wine is then left for 6 months in the barrels where fermentation takes place. The wine has a clear and brilliant straw-yellow color. Its aromatic profile is intense and lively with notes of tropical fruit, peach apricot and white flowers, and some balsamic and mineral hints. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced with a vibrant acidity and a marked mineral vein that lingers on the finish. It works deliciously with fish-based tapas, but gives its best with seafood.

Price: £18.64 from 8wines UK