Emilio Rojo - Viña Meín, O Gran Mein, D.O.P. Ribeiro, white wine, 1.5l

O Gran Meín Castes Brancas is a dry white wine from D.O. Ribeiro in Galicia (Spain), made as part of the Viña Meín · Emilio Rojo project. It is an example of the plurivarietal terroir and historic minifundio vineyard structure of the Valle del Avia valley, where small, separate plots of fruit varieties grow on diverse soils and are processed separately, so that the final blended cuvée gives full expression of the soil and climate.

Grape varieties: The wine is made from traditional Galician white varieties such as Treixadura, Godello, Albariño, Torrontés, Loureira, Caíño Blanco and Lado, which were hand-harvested and vinified separately before being finally blended into the cuvée.

Production: The grapes are selected by individual plot and variety, then pressed as whole clusters and fermented separately in various types of vessels (stainless steel, concrete, wood). The wine then ages for 12 months "sur lie" (on the lees) in a range of different tanks and woods, and afterwards ages for approximately 12 months in bottle before release.

Harvest: The 2019 vintage began with dry, cold weather, including frosts. By the end of January the trend changed, and the year began accumulating heavy rainfall right up to the arrival of spring. A relatively dry May prevented serious fungal pressure in the vineyards. Summer was hot and dry. High temperatures and a lack of rain in August allowed good vine health right through to the end of the cycle, without the vines suffering major water stress. Harvest began on 9 September and finished on 3 October. It was a typical Galician harvest, with sunny and rainy days alternating. This time a calm harvest helped. Several pickings were carried out in each vineyard, separating variety and plot, which allowed every bunch to be picked at its optimal point of ripeness.

Aromatic profile and taste: O Gran Meín Castes Brancas presents a subtle yet complex aromatic profile of citrus and white fruit with floral and herbal hints, complemented by discreet minerality and depth stemming from the terroir of the vineyards around Lugar de Meín. On the palate the wine is balanced, fresh and expressive, with medium body and a clean, dry finish reflecting the climatic conditions of a dry, warm vintage.

Food pairing: It suits lighter dishes such as grilled fish, seafood, white meat or vegetable dishes, as well as lightly spiced tapas or mild cheeses. The recommended serving temperature is 8–10 °C, ideally well chilled, so that its fresh fruity aromatics and mineral character can fully develop.

Alcohol content: 12.5%
Origin: Spain, D.O. Ribeiro (Valle del Avia, Galicia)