O Estranxeiro Mencia Guarda 2024

Eulogio Pomares is the leading figure in Albariño. He is located in Val do Salnés, the vineyards in the valley near the Atlantic coast where the vineyards are planted on the former seabed; the name Salnés is therefore a reference to the salt flat. Eulogio's family once started the Zarate winery, which he now owns and where he also makes the wine, but his ambitions were greater than just the family winery. So, in 2012, he and his wife started Fento Wines to work with various vineyards and to release unique vinifications under their own name.

The main distinguishing feature of these wines is that they are aged in chestnut barrels. Chestnut wood imparts less flavor and lasts longer than oak; in fact, it is a significant part of the history of Galician wines, because in the past, chestnut wood was simply used because it was cheaper than oak (and also lasted longer). The Albariño aged in chestnut retains its mineral and saline character while also offering much more complexity in aroma. The gems of this project are the Parcelarios (single vineyards): Carralcoba (aged in chestnut) and Castiñeiro (aged in Amphora).

In addition to their wines in Rias Baixas, they also have Quinta do Estranxeiro in Ribeira Sacra, also aged in chestnut, following the old tradition of the region. In all his wines, Eulogio manages to achieve a beautiful blend of classicism, digestibility, and distinctiveness.