Manuel Moldes - 'Afelio' - Albariño - Rias Baixas, ES - 2021

The Wine
Manuel Moldes' Albariño Afelio is the embodiment of a classically styled Salnés Albariño: elegant tension, aromatic lift and the Atlantic influence with its salt, rain, ocean life, rock grinding waves, and cool brisk air. A set of tiny parcels scattered throughout the heart of the Val do Salnés between Meaño and Cambados grown on granite soils, the vines are trained on overhead pergolas supported by vertical granite posts with horizontal wood beams. Behind the veil of electricity the wine is simply crafted and the hand of the winemaker deft, but the interpretation is unique and subtly expressive. This wine represents the far western pole of electric whites across Europe, from the Loire Valley, Austria and down into the granite islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The fermentation is made in small stainless steel tanks and old French oak barrels. After fermentation it’s aged for eight months and then bottled.

Vinification: The grapes are whole bunch pressed in basket press for thirty minutes, then the grape must is settled and racked off after 24-48 hours. The first sulfite addition (20-25mg/l) is administered in the press and the natural fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel vats and neutral oak barrels. The fermentation temperature is limited to 20-21 degrees. (Barrels have no temperature control inside, only the natural temperature in the cold cellar to regulate.) Fermentation is usually ten days and the wine is racked off its gross lees. Malolactic fermentation is not desired and rarely happens.

Aging: Aged in stainless steel for eight months and two months in old French oak barrels. This wine is fined and filtered.