Adega Ponte da Boga, Pizarras Y Esquistos, DO Ribeira Sacra, Spain, 2022

Producer Profile

Deep in Galicia’s famed Ribeira Sacra region, on the banks of the Sil river, Adega Ponte da Boga nestles amongst the ancient and precipitous terraced slopes.

At harvest time, workers descend as if on a pilgrimage to pick the fruit from these steep, narrow terraces; delicate hands and nimble feet ensure that the grapes are passed up the slopes to begin the next stage of their journey. From vines that are often in excess of 100 years old come fresh, elegant expressions of Albarino, Godello and Mencía along with the Merenzao and Blanco Lexítimo. Cooled by the bracing Atlantic air and basking in the warmth of the Galician sun these precariously placed vines produce wines of authenticity and heritage.

Viticulture

Grapes are grown on the San Vitoriao vineyard on the banks of the Miño River, where the schist soil add a distinctive structure to the wines.

Winemaking

Grapes are destemmed and crushed, followed by fermentation for 10 days with gentle pumping over and a maceration for 8 days. This is an oaked style, with time in second and third fill French oak for 4 months to enhance the fruit.

Tasting Note

Bright red fruit dominates the nose with soft mocha and spice notes. The palate is bright, finely structured from the schist soils, with fine, pure tannins, and red berry notes only enhanced by the well poised use of oak.

Food Matching

A beautiful and versatile wine that works well with red meats and seafood such as squid.