The last few decades have witnessed a new wave of quality across Spain, and there’s a particularly vibrant sense of revival in the Northwest as younger winemakers have come into possession of venerable family parcels and are redefining the identities of their sub-zones. The story often involves new plantings and experimentation alongside a return to older practices and methodologies. The excitement generated by this shift is only heightened by the rarity of the wines, often made from such small parcels and in such small quantities that they can be difficult to obtain, and by the shockingly fair prices the wines nevertheless sell for. 

This tasting will focus on three winemakers from three denominations in the Northwest. Rodrigo Méndez is the man behind Forjas del Salnés, one of the most exciting properties in Rías Baixas on the Atlantic coast. In Monterrei, where the average vineyard size is just 1 hectare, José Luis Mateo is putting this obscure DO on the map for collectors and enthusiasts alike. And then there is Raúl Pérez, who has at various times been mentor, collaborator, and friend to both the aforementioned, and who has come to embody all that is cutting-edge and impressive about the current vinous trends in the whole region.

The wines will be served alongside regional bites.

Wines being featured include:

Rodrigo Méndez Cíes Albariño 2024

Forjas del Salnés Leirana Finca Genoveva Albariño 2023

Quinta da Muradella Monterrei "Alanda" Blanco 2021

Quinta da Muradella Monterrei "Muradella" Blanco 2021

Quinta da Muradella Monterrei "Alanda" Tinto 2018

Quinta da Muradella Monterrei "Muradella" Tinto 2018

La Vízcaina Bierzo "El Rapolao" 2023

La Vízcaina Bierzo "La Vitoriana" 2023

La Vízcaina Bierzo "Las Gundiñas" 2023

More information about each of these wines can be found at www.grippytannins.com.