HISTORY Rodrigo Méndez of Forjas del Salnés—known locally as Rodri—is a fifth-generation winemaker and one of the world’s most respected Albariño producers. Working in Val do Salnés, the most coastal subzone of DO Rías Baixas (an appellation founded by his grandfather), Rodri crafts over 15 small-batch wines that reflect the region’s diverse micro-terroirs. His organic, low-intervention approach includes native yeast fermentation, extended lees aging without bâtonnage, minimal sulfur, and manual harvesting from ancient vines trained in the traditional Parral system. He also leads efforts to revive nearly extinct local red varietals, honoring his family’s deep-rooted legacy.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING This Albariño is grown on vines planted between 1952 and 1982, rooted in pure granite soils with rocky and alluvial top layers just 5 meters above sea level—ideal for producing wines of precision, minerality, and freshness. Fermented naturally and aged in 70% neutral foudre and 30% stainless steel, it is a wine of power, elegance, and unmistakable salinity. With no malolactic fermentation, it retains a vibrant acidity that makes it a natural match for oysters, scallops, and the classic Galician dish, pulpo gallego. Consistently rated 93–94 points by top critics, it stands as a benchmark for Albariño on the world stage.
