Forjas del Salnes - Leirana Finca Genoveva 2023
Price: $80.99
Sale Price: $64.99
| Producer | Forjas del Salnes |
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| Country | Spain |
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| Region | Rias Baixas |
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| Varietal | Albarino |
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| Vintage | 2023 |
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| Sku | 17743 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Forjas del Salnes is the project of Rodrigo "Rodri" Mendez, a close friend and collaborator with the world-famous winemaker Raul Perez. The winery was started in 1912 by Rodri’s uncle and currently consists of a mere 3 hectares of vineyards spread over 6 different fields. Some vines were already old when the family purchased them, with the oldest estimated to be from the 1830s! Yes, 180 years ago! The wines are all within view of the Atlantic Ocean and reflect the maritime influence with a certain salinity and briskness that makes them especially food-friendly.
In stark contrast to the plethora of Albarino winemakers out there, Rodri combines modern education with old techniques. It starts with the grapes, grown in the prime Val do Salnes region; Rodri patiently waits for the grapes to achieve good ripeness, where the malic acid starts to lessen. That malic acid is the tart, sour acidity found in unripe or less ripe fruits. The result is plenty of bright acidity, but in a more pleasing fashion. Next Rodri uses the free-run juice; the juice that results from simply letting the weight of the grapes crush themselves to release juice. SO what? Simply, when you press the juice, the bitterness from the skins and seeds is also released. Look, that's not "bad", but it isn't as delicious as this! Lastly, Rodri uses large, 2,500 Liter used oak barrels and natural yeast fermentation, as opposed to small, temperature-controlled steel tanks and cultured yeasts designed to extract certain flavors. The result is a wine that reflects the age and location of the vines, the ripeness of the grapes, and Rodri's careful attention to detail. It is nothing short of the best Albarino you will ever taste. Heck, I'd wager it is one of the best white wines you will ever taste!
Forjas del Salnes Description
This wine displays a brilliant straw-yellow color with an intensely perfumed nose of fresh quince, tangerine, and lemongrass, layered with evolving floral and quinine nuances. The palate is precise and vibrant, showing impressive nerve and mineral lift, with lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors complemented by a subtle floral note. It finishes taut, racy, and very long, demonstrating superb focus and a lingering echo of florality.
Wine Advocate: 97 Points
The 2023 Leirana Finca Genoveva deserves the best treatment: a wide Burgundy glass and plenty of time and patience. This is a very serious white that transcends variety and vintage, from a very special place, a centenary vineyard that transmits the strict and serious character of the granite soils like few others. The wine fermented and matured in well-seasoned, neutral 2,500-liter oak foudres with the lees untouched for one year. This is always closed, ungiving and austere at first and when young, but it's also precise, symmetric and full of energy rather than weight.
Vinous Media: 96 Points
"The 2023 Albariño Leirana Genoveva from Salnés fermented in foudre. It delivers a polished expression, with notes of linden, soft honey, nutty undertones, flowers and a delicate balsamic touch. This is creamy in texture, with intensity and a clear, expressive profile. The 2023 is a delicious, complex white."
Drink 2025-2038
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